Juniors put in even better performances on second tent stage

Participants in the 2023 Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition stepped up their performances on Sunday night at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed in the second tent for the season.

It was clear that any nerves that they felt during the opening night were long gone and their confidence paid off with more solid deliveries.

Opening with the calypso category, each artiste poured their all into the presentation and as some touched on subject matter that was clearly close to their heart, the emotions became too much to contain.

In a touching moment Re Re became overwhelmed as she sang A Tribute to my Granny. As she recalled the fond memories, her voice broke and it was difficult not to feel her pain. However, she showed conviction, and with the vocal support of the audience she regained her composure and rallied bravely to the end.

Danekia also showed her vulnerability on stage as she sang Dear John. Recounting her loss of a parent due to violence brought her pain to the fore. As tears streamed down her face, her reference to performing being her therapy rang true.

Potent was strong in Tent 1 and he was even better in Tent 2. There was no mistaking that being on stage is in his genes. He was highly entertaining with Can’t Lash We.

King K continues to be a force to be reckoned with. The natural performer connects easily with the audience as he powerfully delivers his lyrics.

Slay must be commended for her consistency. She maintained the fine form displayed in Tent 1 in this second showing as she sang the inspirational Just Like These Women. The Mighty Bit Bit also confirmed that he plans to be a factor in the running come semifinals night as he brought an extra punch with Drugs and Disobedience.

Both Khaleesi and Hailstorm tackled the issue of bullying with vigour in their songs De Bully and Both Sides respectively. Other participants in this category were King Boy, Destiny, Queen A, Sakarah, Sabiah and Mhizz Khibaba.

Once more King Shad proved that visual impairment is not a barrier to his performance in the Soca category. He titillated with his ‘wukup’ display on his self-penned Jam Down, upping his energy even more this time around.

Lil Stathis delivered another standout performance, entertaining with his dancing even before he sang a single note of Fold in Half. He maintained that high energy throughout and the audience erupted in appreciation when he was finished.

Josh Ox was also energetic with Push De Truck but technical difficulties with the lighting put a damper on Zarie B with Get Active. Also appearing in this category were TiJay, Joshua B, Ranesha, YSR, Rojani, Majestic Miyah, the Showman and Trinity. The latter two continue to excel with their vocals. 

The semifinals will take place on July 2nd at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. (STT)

Read our ePaper. Fast. Factual. Free.

Sign up and stay up to date with Barbados’ FREE latest news.