He appeared first; she was last.
Jazz Jazz-Z Gittens proved to be untouchable and Aisha Mandisa Butcher moved seven notches to the top by the end of the tough battle in her category.
The two were crowned winners in the eight to 12 and 13 to 18 categories of the Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch Competition at the gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex last Saturday night.
Entering the competition at eight years old, Jazz-Z has been knocking at the door ever since, placing second for the past two years. He fought his way out of that position with a song about the king of sports.
The new champ opened the batting in the eight to 12 category with a song titled Cricket. He evidently knocked the judges for six, with a commentary on the streaking incident during the CaribbeanTwenty20 Tournament at Kensington Oval earlier this year.
He even had a streaker run across the stage on two occasions, which captivated the audience.
He said that even though he knew he was going to win because his main challenger Carrie G was not defending her crown, he was “freaking” out when he realized he had actually won.
Jazz-Z beat Asher Dynamo Murrell into second place while Winette Winette Millington and Moesha Mighty Princess Elder finished third and fourth, respectively.
Mandisa, who entered the competition last year and placed second, had a “feeling” she would win from the preliminary stage. She knew she had to put in some work to fight off Aziza Lil Az Clarke and Anita AC Charles, whom she felt would offer the most competition.
Her song My Advice, which reflects on her mistakes as a teen and encourages young girls not to make the same mistakes as she, was well delivered and she was in fine voice.
She was an obvious pick for the top spot. AC and Lil Az finished down the order.
In the eyes of the judges it was Kade Young Dia Mascoll’s Pray that was second best. The sweet singing and inspirational lyrics of the lone male contestant captivated the audience. He too was a favourite for a high place.
Last year’s champ Samantha Sammy G Greaves was good enough for third. Adela Adela Payne, who must be commended for really upping her game on the night, finished fourth.
