Helon Francis has won the title of Calypso Monarch 2025. He dethroned title defender Machel Montano at the Dimanche Gras show. With a score of 268 points for his song “To Whom It May Be”, Francis took home the cash prize of $700,000 and the keys to a KGM Torres car worth $300,000. This success is all the more remarkable as it comes against a backdrop of strong calypso evolution, with artists such as Montano and Akhenaton “Yung Bredda” Lewis also making their mark on the competition.
Who is Helon Francis?
Helon Francis is a talented artist and an independent senator in Trinidad and Tobago since 2023. His calypso career is marked by a non-partisan approach and an ability to tackle political and social issues with sensitivity. Before becoming a senator, Helon Francis was already recognized for his contributions to calypso, which enabled him to connect with his audience in an authentic way. His victory in 2025 is his second Calypso Monarch crown, following that of 2018.
The competition: a clash of talents
This year’s competition brought together an outstanding array of talent, with artists such as Kurt Allen, Akhenaton “Yung Bredda” Lewis, and Machel Montano. Kurt Allen, dubbed “The Last Bardjohn of Calypso”, took second place with his song “Your Turn Now”, just one point behind Francis. Yung Bredda, a newcomer to the final, took third place with “We Rise”, despite an enthusiastic reception from the audience.
Machel Montano, who had won the title the previous year, put in a visually impressive performance with “Bet Meh”, but ultimately finished fifth. This year, Montano had also won the title of Chutney Soca Monarch, underlining his influence in the local music scene.
The meaning of "To Whom It May Be
Helon Francis ‘ song “To Whom It May Be” is an open letter to the next Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, regardless of the election results. The song reflects Francis’ commitment to addressing political and social issues in a non-partisan way, emphasizing the need for transparency and progress in the country. The track symbolizes an invitation to all future leaders to take citizens’ concerns into account and work towards a better future.
Helon Francis expressed his intention to give the people knowledge about aspects the country could improve to have a better future. This approach was well received by the judges, who appreciated the depth and relevance of his message.
Dimanche Gras: a key Carnival event
Dimanche Gras is a key moment in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, when calypso artists come together to showcase their talents. This year’s event took place at Queen’s Park Savannah, attracting enthusiastic crowds and television audiences from around the world. The competition featured stirring performances and sharp political critiques, reflecting the spirit of calypso as a form of social and political expression.
Calypso: an evolving art form
Calypso is a constantly evolving musical genre, influenced by a variety of styles and artists. Helon Francis stressed that this evolution is natural, and that the public plays a crucial role in the acceptance of new forms of calypso. The involvement of crossover artists such as Montano and Yung Bredda in the traditional competition has provoked debate, but Francis has chosen to focus on the creativity and authenticity of his art.
Preparing Helon Francis for Shrove Sunday
Although specific details of Francis’ preparation are not explicitly mentioned, we can deduce that he probably worked on several key aspects:
- Experience and confidence: Francis mentioned that his experience in calypso and his ability to write his own music gave him confidence in himself and his style.
- Artistic and political approach: As an independent senator, Francis uses his art to express his views on social and political issues in a non-partisan way.
- Stage preparation: Francis used simple but effective elements to convey his message during his performance, as evidenced by his descent of a staircase and his methodical approach to delivering the lyrics of his song.
Helon Francis’ victory as Monarch of Calypso 2025 is a testament to his talent and commitment to the art of calypso. The competition not only showcased the individual talents of the artists, but also underlined the importance of calypso as a voice for social and political concerns in the region. As the genre continues to evolve, it’s clear that artists like Francis will play a crucial role in its future.
