Karen “Lady Mac” McIntosh Bruce has been crowned the St. Croix Calypso Monarch for 2024, the St. Croix Calypsonians United announced Tuesday.
The highly anticipated Calypso Monarch Finals took place Monday at the Island Center for the Performing Arts on St. Croix, featuring an intense competition among nine talented calypsonians, according to the press release.
Lady Mac’s captivating performances, featuring the songs “Lend A Hand” and “Puppet Man,” earned her the title, showcasing her exceptional talent and undeniable stage presence. The victory adds another remarkable chapter to Lady Mac’s illustrious career in the world of calypso, the press release stated.
Di’Jon “JonDi” Baptiste was recognized as the Most Improved Calypsonian for the night, singing his compositions “Ah Bust” and “Drunk.” Other notable participants included Samuel “Mighty Pat” Ferdinand, who came in third runner up with his songs “It’s A Shame” and “Extra Income;” Hansill “Richie” Buntin, who was named second runner up singing his songs “So Many Too Many” and “Calypso Lover;” and Emogene “Blakness” Creese, who secured the first runner up position with her tunes “Festival Is Culture” and “Bring It Back.” Other competitors included Jerome “Chugga” Bryan, Linroy “Pilot” Forde, Chandy “Mr. 340” Jeremiah, Jennisha “Jinger” Joseph, and Orilus “Ratso” Telemaque, the release stated.
The event was hosted by Daren “Bogle” Stevens, who guided the audience through an evening filled with outstanding calypso performances and his usual humor. The Calypso Monarch Finals received support from a lineup of generous sponsors, including Ciga Promotions, Just Right Trucking, Senator Franklin Johnson, Devin Carrington, Legacy Tires, Sejah Farm, Patrick “De Soljah” Farrell, DJ Poppy Pops, and the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, according to the release.
Calypso Monarch Committee Chairman Dean Baptiste expressed gratitude to the committee members for their hard work in hastily organizing the event. The competition faced unforeseen challenges after the initially scheduled date on Dec. 27, 2023, was canceled due to a dispute between the Division of Festivals and the Calypsonians. Despite the obstacles, the resilience and dedication of the committee ensured the success of the event and the celebration of the rich calypso culture on St. Croix, it said.
