Junior Calypso Monarch.

The Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch competition takes place during Barbados' largest annual national festival, Crop Over. Hosted by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the event also serves as a developmental programme, where participants are exposed to more than just the competition aspect of the programme. They benefit from mentorship and vocal training through scheduled workshops, allowing them to receive guidance and sharpen their craft, and also understand the intricacies of calypso, its roots and legacy. The coaching sessions also highlight the elements of performance, songwriting skills, costuming, stage presentation and stage lighting, to name a few.

With a proud legacy of 31 years of partnership with the Junior Monarch programme, Scotiabank remains committed to empowering young people through opportunities that foster creativity, confidence and resilience.

The 2026 edition was launched on June 11 at Scotiabank Warrens.

This year’s  Programme attracted 47 entries across the calypso and soca categories, surpassing last year’s participation and underscoring the growing interest and enthusiasm among Barbados’ youth. Following the preliminary round, 27 contestants advanced to the semi-finals, including 13 calypsonians and 13 soca artistes, along with one reserve.

As part of the programme this year, financial literacy sessions were once again led by Scotiabank. These sessions are about empowering youth not only to excel artistically but to navigate life with resilience and confidence. We believe that creative brilliance and financial empowerment can -and should -go hand in hand. 

At the finals, Master Kajae and Khaleesi, the newly crowned champions of the Scotiabank Junior Monarch 2026! 9-year-old Master Kajae captured the Calypso title with Hire Me, while 17-year-old Khaleesi claimed the Soca crown with Party Mode.