Six named to vie for Calypso Monarch 2025

Last Sunday the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA), held its semi-finals for this year’s KAISO 365 at the Twilight Family Restaurant and Bar in Scarborough. And what was meant to be a tough time for the judges turned out to be a huge party where calypsonians entertained the audience with old favourites and new compositions.

Among them was newcomer to the competition scene in Toronto, Leon Spice, who often performs as the front man for Ossie Gurley And The Truth, the two-time and

reigning Canadian Calypso Monarch, King Cosmos, last year’s first runner-up and people’s choice, The Crooner and former monarch and only four-king Canadian calypsonian, Guney. Former monarch and popular pannist, Pan Man Pat and Blocker were also among those in the competitive category.

Yellows, Susan G and Connector also provided entertainment for the calypso lovers and staunch supporters who had a grand time as they sang along, teased and danced to a blend of calypso

and soca. Whether it was Angela (Yellows), Ole Man Willie (King Cosmos), That Wine (Susan G), Live Life (The Crooner), I don’t Mind (Connector), or Monday Carnival (Guney), the appreciative audience lapped it all up. And it was a full dance floor when Guney closed with Monday Carnival.

The judges’ work was made easy because there was not a large enough field of contestants from which to choose to challenge King Cosmos at the finals on Saturday, July 26. Instead of having to eliminate, anyone, they simply acclaimed the five calypsonians who declared their intention and had suitable calypsos to compete. The five are The Crooner, Guney, Pan Man Pat, Blocker and Leon Spice.

At the end of the event, veteran judging coordinator, Valerie Seales supervised the drawing of positions in which the contestants will appear. They are as follows: Position 1 – Leon Spice, Position 2 – Guney, Position 3 – Pan Man Pat, Position 4 -The Crooner, Position 5 – Blocker, Position 6 – King Cosmos.

The finals will be held at the Hungarian House, 141 Sunrise Avenue, North York.

Tickets are on sale at TicketGateway. or call Henry 647-225-8977·Tara 416-305-6079·Ken 647-616-9320· John 647-274-7992·Roger 416-484-6914·Joanne 416-770-3809·Ralda 647-763-7308·Ossie 416-274-809

#CalypsoMonarch2025 #TorontoCalypso #KAISO365 #KingCosmos #CaribbeanCultureTO #TorontoCarnivalVibes #SupportLocalTalent #SocaAndCalypso #Blocker #Guney #PanManPat #LeonSpice #TheCrooner