Former Junior Calypso Monarch Janae Jackson crowned 2016 calypso Queen on Friday 29th January

Former Junior Calypso Monarch Janae Jackson was crowned 2016 calypso Queen of Dominica, on Friday 29th January 2016, at the Harlem Plaza in Newtown. Nine (9) female calypsonians competed for the title. They each performed two songs; two personal songs or one of theirs and another in the competition organized by the Dominica Calypso ‘Kaiso’ Hall of Fame in collaboration with the Dominica Calypso Association.
 
Jackson performed ‘My Love, My Country’ in the first round’ and ‘Gratitude’ in the second. She undoubtedly convinced the judging panel in order to deservingly emerge winner. She was crowned by the legendary Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco of Trinidad & Tobago, but now residing in New York in the United States.
 
Jackson said “I feel good, I feel elated, mixed emotions, you know? It feels good to be among so many great people and emerge as the winner”. She won five thousand cash, a mobile handset compliments FLOW, a crown made by Superior Picky and a trophy compliments The Sign Man.
 
Jackson described being crowned by the Mighty Sparrow as “amazing” and “a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m really, really, really happy that I chose this year to take part, so that I could get that moment. Every calypsonian should look forward to hugging Sparrow, being close to Sparrow, because he is the king of calypso, in my opinion,” she added.
 
Charis ‘Charis D’ Daniel got 1st runner-up. She sang ‘Toute Sa qui Ka Goumen’ and ‘Respect Black Woman’. Rhea ‘Sting Ray’ Lloyd sang ‘Suffer In Silence’ and ‘Lifeline’ and placed 2nd Runner-up.
 
The other competitors were; Daniella ‘Lady Hershema’ Bruno, Donna-Lee ‘Dutchess’ Peters, Alisha ‘Alisha’ Ducreay, Raheem ‘Raheem’ Henderson, Shirley ‘Lady S’ Charles and Leandra ‘Leandra’ Cuffy.
 
The judging criteria was based on lyrics 35 points, rendition 20 points, melody 35 points and presentation 10 points. The number of points received by the winners was not announced.