JOY!

ROSEAU, Dominica – History was made on Saturday night as JOY (Joy Stoute) was crowned Dominica's 2025 Calypso Monarch, becoming only the second woman to achieve this feat in over five decades of the national competition.

Performing before a packed audience at Windsor Park Stadium, JOY delivered a mesmerising and commanding performance that secured her place among the legends of Dominican calypso. With her powerful vocals, engaging stage presence, and thought-provoking lyrics, she captivated both the judges and the audience, claiming the coveted title.

Her victory comes 14 years after Tasha Peltier made history as the first woman to win the Calypso Monarch title in 2011. Since then, many female calypsonians have attempted to break through the male-dominated competition, but JOY is the first to repeat the milestone.

A triumph for women in Calypso

JOY's win is celebrated as a victory for women in Dominican calypso, a genre where female artists have long faced an uphill battle for recognition and dominance. Leading up to the finals, four women – including past champion Tasha Peltier – had secured spots in the last round of the competition, raising hopes that history would be made once again.

In a previous interview with The Sun, JOY expressed her belief in perseverance and breaking barriers. "While it's true that only one woman has won the Calypso Monarch title in Dominica, I believe in pushing boundaries and staying true to who I am. This is not just a dream—it is an achievable goal," she had said.

Saturday night, that goal became a reality.

The songs that sealed her victory

JOY's path to victory was paved by two compelling performances, with her top song, "The Ground That You Walking On", written by former Calypso King Hunter (Deryck St. Rose), standing out as the defining moment of the night.

The song, which explores the inevitability of death and the futility of arrogance and selfishness, left a lasting impact on the audience with its hauntingly reflective lyrics:

"The ground that you walking on / Someday will be your roof / When the Master calls / You got to go / I say you got to go."

The song's deep meaning resonated widely, earning praise from calypso lovers. Commenting on its impact, @nancyPendengue-King described it as a "very meaningful song."

Her second performance, "My Quest for Love", also showcased her versatility and storytelling ability, further cementing her status as a formidable force in the calypso arena.

A new era for Dominican Calypso

JOY's historic win signals a new era for women in calypso, inspiring a new generation of female artists to dream big and aim for the crown. Her victory will undoubtedly be a moment of reflection for the calypso fraternity as discussions on gender representation and opportunities in the art form continue.

As the new Monarch of Dominican Calypso, JOY now joins an exclusive list of champions, paving the way for future female calypsonians to follow. With her name now etched in history, she stands as a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of breaking barriers.

Her reign has begun, and calypso lovers across Dominica will be eager to see what the future holds for the newly crowned Queen of Kaiso.

Dice, the ten-time Calypso King, placed second, Janice placed third and Bobb was in 4th Place