“When they called Koquice’s name, I was the only person left standing, so I knew it was me.”

So said newly minted National Junior Calypso Monarch 2025 Xhaiden Darius, eight, at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, yesterday. Despite his small stature, the San Fernando bard proved he was a titan. And he won the adulation of the audience with his guitar-playing skills and melodious singing.

Xhaiden, a pupil of Savonetta (Vistabella) Primary School, sang “Calypso Will Survive.” In the home circle, Xhaiden said his mentor was his mother Tameika Darius, former 2023 calypso queen. His aunt Makeda Darius was also the 2020 calypso queen.