At just 11 years old, Janaya Clarke has already established herself as the brightest young star in the national Calypso firmament, walking away with the Couva Junior Calypso Monarch crown to add to her impressive collection of royal titles for the 2026 season.
Belying her tender age, a composed and confident Clarke charmed judges and an appreciative crowd alike with a masterful performance for a runaway victory with her massive hit, Role Models, at the Couva Calypso Monarch finals held at the Couva Carnival Centre on Friday.
Sharing the spotlight was Amrika Mutroo, who captured the Couva Senior Calypso Monarch title with a number she composed herself, Loyal to Party, in which she chastised people who put political parties before the interests of the country. Mutroo, a multiple winner in Couva, earned a first prize of $8,000 and a trophy.
The senior and junior calypso finals, staged by the Couva Carnival Committee (CCC), were dominated by female performers who copped the first four places in each category. Clarke, a home-schooled Form One student hailing from New Grant, had already chalked up victories as National Junior Monarch, San Fernando Junior Monarch and Carapichaima Junior Monarch before her Couva heist on Friday. Her victory boosted her considerable season earnings by $5,000 with a trophy.
I’m really happy and excited to win in Couva as it’s my last competition for the season. This year has been way beyond my expectations. When I step on the stage, I feel I am at home,” said the rising star.
Kerine Williams Figaro placed second in the senior category with You Never Know. Third position went to Meguella Simon with My Child.
For the juniors, Chelsea Figueroa captured second place with Pan-One People-One Love. In third place was Asia Tidd, singing Family Crisis.
Ezekiel Clarke, CCC member and coordinator of the calypso competitions, praised the singers for presenting high-quality performances, which earned them loud applause.
Results of Couva Senior Calypso Finals:
Monarch - Amrika Mutroo (Loyal to Party) - 359 points
2. Kerine Williams Figaro (You Never Know) - 346
3. Meguella Simon (My Child) - 345
4. Lystra Nurse (Dream Sellers) - 344
5. Nicholas Lucas (De Tree Does Never Forget) - 341
6. Joanne Gibson (The Last Birthday Party) - 339
7. Judith Edwards (Plus Size Woman) - 333
8. Omarie Assoon (A Spituation) - 332
9. Rosemary Mitchell (My Trinbago) - 327
10. Georgia McIntyre (A Sense of Empathy) - 313
11. Helen Jones (Permission for the Pic) - 308
Results of Couva Junior Calypso Finals:
Monarch - Janaya Clarke (Role Models) - 367 points
2. Chelsea Figueroa (Pan-One People-One Love) - 327
3. Asia Tidd (Family Crisis) - 320
4. Nyla Hamilton (What Ah Leaving For) - 311
5. T’xaiyan Cain (Is De Calypso) - 309
6. Alexia Adams - Alexis (Doh Go Down Dey) - 297
7. Jah-Majesty Charles (Thank God For The Teacher) - 284
8. Celebrit-T Charles (Only You Can Bring Us Back) - 280
