The 2012 Junior Carnival Calypso and Roadmarch competition is one of the first events for Carnival 2012, and, according the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) one that will showcase the impressive talent of the island's young calypso singers.
Jr. Calypso Queen Lil Blossom seems already destined for greatness having recently performed in Trinidad to rave reviews. Her winning song of 2011, "Sisters Abstain", was an instant hit that still graces the airwaves today.
Likewise for the two-time Junior Roadmarch King Rickyshio who continue to perform with energy that reminds calypso lovers of his father Ricky "Da Phox" Bertie a veteran Calypsonian and former Senior Roadmarch King.
Lil Blossom will face six young singers looking to dethrone her: Her sister J'onesia "Sunshine" Martimbor, Marieshene "Singing D" Doran, Acquilla "Empress Acquilla" Carty, Rickyshio will also sing calypso as well as his brother Nicholio Bertie and finally Rumari "The Messenger" Rogers. Three of these same singers will also compete in the road march competition.
"This is the future of calypso," SCDF President Stuart Johnson said, adding that much more needs to be done to attract youngsters to the art form of calypso. "We already proud of the seven singers that we have for the junior show and hope they will get tremendous support from the community and the radio stations who we are counting on to play their music. They work as hard as anyone on their performances and asks only to be rewarded with support," Johnson added.
The SCDF has decided to reschedule the Jr. Calypso and Roadmarch competition from April 1, to Saturday, April 14. It will lead the with the Teen & Senior Queen Pageant Speech and Culture Wear competition which will be held on the same day. "That's basically four great, exciting shows in one," Johnson said.
The show will be at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel.