Four make it to ‘Big Yard’ in first attempt

CHANIQUE ROGERS- BAILEY and Kemmy Christopher from the Dynamites Calypso tent singing ‘Lift Me Up’ and ‘Hope’ respectively have, on their first attempt, made it among the 11 headed to the ‘BigYard’ for the calypso finals this weekend.

Also debuting is Kenley ‘Lyrical Melody’ Baptiste, from the Upstage Xperience, with his “I am a Vincy”; and Utamo ‘Bongo Prime’ Rose, from On Tour singing ‘the Messenger’.

Joining the newcomers who have been named, are four former Monarchs in Shaunelle McKenzie with ‘At we doorstep’ and Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd, who is doing ‘De Search’. Both are from the Upstage Xperience tent, along with Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne performing ‘Havana ’, and Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance with ‘My Party lose’, from On Tour and Calypso Carbaret tents respectively.

Shena Collis, from Upstage Xperience who says there is a ‘New chef in the kitchen’, joins her tent mate Cecile ‘Lil Bit’ King with her ‘Liberation year’, along with another veteran Robert ‘Patches’ Knights, with his “Bull Wood”. Patches hails from the new tent on the block, Calypso Carbaret.

The calypso finals are scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026 at Independence Park as part of Dimanche Gras show which is slated to commences at 8:00 p.m.