The finalists for the National Schools Soca and Calypso Competition have been announced.
Following closed auditions, 59 schools from across the island were assessed on lyrical content, stage presence, vocal delivery and artistic impact. The competition includes two divisions: infant/primary and secondary schools, highlighting the depth of young musical talent in Saint Lucia.
In the primary schools calypso category, 10 schools advanced to the finals, including Anglian Infant with What Should I Do, Ave Maria Girls Primary with Standing Strong, and Ciceron R.C. Combined with Change that Mentality. Other finalists are Delcer R.C. Combined, Dugard Combined, Gordon Walcott Memorial, Les Etangs Combined, Morne Du Don Primary, Odsan Combined and Saltibus Combined.
At the secondary level, Babonneau Secondary (Time Wrap), Castries Comprehensive (S.O.S – Save Our Society), and Ciceron Secondary (I Working for My Key) are among 10 schools advancing, alongside Micoud Secondary, Patricia D. James Secondary, Saint Lucia Sports Academy, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary, St Joseph’s Convent, Stanley Jon Odlum Secondary and Vieux Fort Comprehensive.
The soca segment also delivered strong competition. In the primary division, Ave Maria Girls Primary (Lash Up) and Babonneau Primary (St Lucia Pay The Teacher) lead a list of ten finalists, joined by Camille Henry Memorial, Carmen René Memorial, Ciceron R.C. Combined, Delcer R.C. Combined, Les Etangs Combined, Morne Du Don Primary, St. Aloysius R.C. Boys Infant, and St Aloysius R.C. Boys Primary.
Secondary school soca finalists include Babonneau Secondary (Young Energy), Castries Comprehensive (Pressure), Choiseul Secondary (Run Up), and Ciceron Secondary (A Tsunami), among others, such as Corinth Secondary, Entrepot Secondary, Patricia D. James Secondary, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary and St Joseph’s Convent.
Now in its second year, the National Primary and Secondary Soca competition has become a major highlight of Junior Carnival, complementing the established calypso segment. Organisers say the initiative aims to nurture young artists and preserve Saint Lucia’s cultural traditions.
The finals will take place in early June for secondary schools and early July for primary schools. These events are part of the broader Junior Carnival calendar, which also features the National Schools Tour, Junior Parade of the Bands and the National Schools Panorama Competition.
