The 2022 National Calypso Monarch and National Extempo Monarch competitions have been cancelled. The decision came earlier today February 15 following an emergency meeting held by the General Council of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation. 

According to a statement from TUCO,

“The scheduled Calypso Fiesta carded for Sunday 20th February 2022 at Naparima Bowl, 2pm, San Fernando will take the form of a Concert Showdown featuring calypsonians from Trinidad and Tobago.

TUCO will participate in the Dimanche Gras show on Carnival Sunday 27th February 2022 which will take the form of a Calypso Super-Clash.”

The statement further indicated that the show was cancelled because the 1.5 million allotted was insufficient to host both the National Calypso Monarch and Extempo Monarch finals, the Calypso Tents, paying the accompanying band and suppliers.

“Further, 1.3 million was already allocated to the various Calypso Tents throughout Trinidad and Tobago to hosts their shows which left TUCO with $200,000.00 which was impractical to host such competitions including of prize monies. Therefore, in the interest of Calypso and our membership, the General Council thought it prudent to defer the competitions to 2023 for a bigger and grander production,” the statement further added.

TUCO also indicated that the seventy (70) plus registrants for the National Calypso Monarch and Extempo Monarch competitions and directs that the Zonal Offices would be contacted for a refund of the entry fee.