Top things to know
- Nicole Thomas-Clarke retained the Tobago Calypso Monarch crown at Tobago Carnival 2026, earning her third consecutive title with her song "Respect".
- The competition took place at Market Square in Scarborough for its fifth edition, with Thomas-Clarke winning the $100,000 first prize among ten competitors.
- Wendy Garrick placed second with "Borrowed Time", and Chevelle Williams finished third with "All Hands on Deck".
- The event paid tribute to the late calypso icons Mighty Sparrow and Brother Valentino, featuring performances of their classic songs.
Scarborough’s Market Square served as the backdrop for a historic musical milestone as Nicole Thomas-Clarke claimed her third consecutive Tobago Calypso Monarch crown during Tobago Carnival 2026. Performing her winning song "Respect," Thomas-Clarke delivered a captivating showcase that secured her hat-trick victory and earned her the $100,000 top prize. The competition, marking the fifth edition of the event, featured ten talented calypsonians competing before an engaged audience. Throughout the evening, performers brought powerful vocal deliveries, incisive lyrical content, and thought-provoking social commentary to the stage, addressing a wide range of issues affecting Tobago while maintaining the rich traditions of the calypso art form.
Reflecting on her victory, Thomas-Clarke spoke about the immense commitment, preparation, and sacrifice required to prepare for the defense of her title against a formidable field of competitors. She explained that securing a third consecutive championship demanded rigorous preparation and personal compromise, including taking vacation leave from her work to focus entirely on rehearsals and musical arrangements. She emphasized that putting in extensive work was essential to ensure she could execute a performance worthy of retaining the crown for a third straight year. Her winning selection, "Respect," resonated strongly with both the judging panel and patrons in attendance.
The contest featured exceptionally strong performances across the lineup, with Wendy Garrick placing second with her environmentally-themed song, "Borrowed Time." Expressing complete satisfaction with her delivery, Garrick noted that every element of her performance fell into place as planned on stage. She expressed gratitude for guidance throughout her showcase while praising the overall standard of the competition. Garrick observed that the stiff contest raised the event to a higher level, calling it one of the finest Calypso Monarch shows witnessed in Tobago.
Chevelle Williams earned third place with her rendition of "All Hands on Deck," which delivered a pointed commentary on the breakdown of society. Discussing her performance, Williams explained that she strived to embody not only the explicit message of the lyrics, but also to express the deep passion and emotion of the piece, sharing her perspective as both a performer on stage and a mother concerned about social issues.
The fifth edition of the Calypso Monarch competition was also dedicated to honoring calypso legends the Mighty Sparrow and Brother Valentino, who both passed away recently. In tribute to their seminal contributions to Caribbean music and culture, calypsonians from Tobago performed renditions of popular songs from their historic catalogues, celebrating their enduring musical legacies during the event.