Shamika Denoon is the new Heritage Monarch of Tobago’s Calypso Heritage Festival.
Denoon, a Bon Accord resident, won the title with Reignite D Flames at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on Friday night to take home the $30,000 first prize.
Denoon later told Guardian Media that she was delighted to capture the crown and was looking forward to taking part in the Tobago Carnival, set for October.
She said the song was written by Sheldon Reid with the help of Jesse Marlon Taylor.
She said, “The song is about our rich heritage and that we as Tobagonians, whatever adversity comes, we can keep our traditions because that’s who we are. That’s ingrained in us, we have that unique creative sense of togetherness.”
In second place was Giselle Fraser Washington.
GOPAUL WILL COME
Denoon will be singing at Store Bay’s Emancipation Day celebrations today.
Denoon is the founder of Sisters in Culture, an organization that helps young women in the community overcome any challenges they may face. She said her victory is for her community
“Coming back to the community, I know they will greet me, I know they will be so proud. I did this for them.”
In second place was Giselle Graser Washington, who sang Reflect, Rebirth, Rejoice.
Caston Cupid, who won the title the last time the competition was held, before the COVID-19 pandemic, landed in third place with Preserve We Heritage.
In fourth and fifth place respectively were Dalanie Baynes with The Season to Come Reignite and Lesley Ann Ellis with Hail Tobago.
The Extempo competition was won by Samuel “Ringo” Morris who beat a field of 3 competitors including Denoon, Marlon Callender and Ingrid Brathwaithe Matthew. Vindra Gopaul Photos
Caston Cupid landed in third place
GOPAUL WILL COME
