An eight-year-old student of Central Trinidad is the National Junior Calypso Monarch for 2025. Xhaiden Darius, the son of 2023 Calypso Queen Tameika Darius, was the youngest competitor among 16 finalists on Monday.
But the 2025 TUCO National Junior Calypso Monarch title went to eight-year-old Xhaiden singing ‘Calypso Will Survive.’ He is a student of Savonetta Primary School in Couva, and won the primary school segment of the 2025 South Junior Calypso competition on February 13.
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Darius gave an electrifying performance at the Queen’s Park Savannah on February 24. The song was written by veteran calypsonian King Luta (Morel Peters). The lyrics captured his commitment to sustaining the art form.
At six, Darius won the 2023 South Junior Calypso Monarch in the primary school category, but his Mom believes he got the singing bug from her. She was almost eight months pregnant with him when she performed in the 2016 (Calypso Monarch) semi-finals in Skinner Park. She said “from the time he was born, every night he was in the calypso tents with me”
Deputy Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Education, Ayanna Gaspard Clarke said the art form is in good hands.
“Education for us means that students have the ability to think critically about the world around us. We stand by our vision of providing a modern, relevant, quality, equitable education for all.
Your efforts play a vital role in shaping a new generation of thinkers, change makers, and cultural ambassadors.”
Last year’s winner, Nataki Thompson, placed third while Koquice Davidson captured the second spot.
