Terri Lyons from Trinidad and Tobago has won the first prize in this year’s Queen of Queens regional calypso contest with her songs ‘Black and Ugly’ and ‘Ask Yuh Man’.
She received an impressive 1,268 points for her performances at the female-only competition held in Carnival City in Little Bay, Montserrat, on 30 December.
Closely following was Karene Asche, also of Trinidad and Tobago, who received 1,246 points and secured the first runner up position.
Karisa ‘Queen Independent’ Willet, representing St Kitts and Nevis, was awarded the second runner up prize after winning 1,142 points during the evening.
Proudly representing Montserrat in the competition were some of the island’s top female calypsonians, Maggie ‘Maggie D’ Destouche and Dr Tiffannie ‘Daughter of the Soil’ Skerritt-Flemming.
In a ZJB Radio interview following her win, Lyons said she felt blessed, honoured and loved.
“It’s a different feeling when you have a whole different island [that] actually loves you also,” she said.
“It shows not just love but accomplishment, that they actually recognise the hard work that you put in and appreciate it, so I feel really grateful.”
Lyons shared that this was her third visit to Montserrat and her third time winning the Queen of Queens crown.
Looking ahead to next year, when she returns to defend her title, Lyons hopes to immerse herself further in Montserrat’s culture, music, and energy.
Back in Trinidad, she plans to focus on preparing for the country’s own calypso monarch competition after having reigned as champion for three years, becoming only the fifth woman to win it.
Lyons spoke about the significance of calypso to her, highlighting its historical roots, particularly during the era of slavery, and its importance to the Caribbean and the world, calling it “the mother of soca.”
She also offered heartfelt gratitude to the people of Montserrat for their support throughout the competition.
“Here in Montserrat, I want to say thank you for appreciating me, thank you for welcoming me, thank you for the hospitality, thank you for the food,” she laughed.
Watch the interview in full below:
Congratulations, Terri Lyons. You are one of those female artists keeping the culture of calypso/soca flag flying worldwide. Continued success from Boston Carnival Village.