The story
Antigua Carnival Calypso Monarch in Carnival City St. John's
The Calypso Monarch competition, held at Carnival City, traces back to Antigua Carnival's 1957 founding when Samuel Styler Ryan became the first Monarch, producing legendary figures like Obstinate, Swallow and Short Shirt; since a 2022 format change it crowns two winners annually across Bacchanal and Social Commentary categories, reflecting calypso's dual role as celebratory music and a vehicle for pointed social commentary rooted in Antigua's African heritage.
The Calypso Monarch competition is one of Antigua Carnival's oldest continuous traditions, tracing directly back to the festival's inaugural 1957 edition, when Samuel Styler Ryan became the first Calypso Monarch performing songs including Water Wet Me Bed and Don't Back Back On Me.