CARNIVAL BOOKLET2-426

Amari Asante’ “Amigos” Phillips
2016 Junior Calypso Intermediate Winner
Amari is an 11 year old sixth grader attending the
Lockhart Elementary School. His passion for music
encourages him to use his God giving talents
to sing for the Lord on the St Andrew’s Junior
Choir and play cello steel pan for the Lockhart
21st Century Program.
Amari has participated in the Junior Calypso
Competition since 2013 while his was only in the
second grade. His first song entitled “Young &
Serious” rocked the crowd as he showcased his
passion for music. Amari continued to showcase
his talents the following year with his meaningful
song “Promises”. The lyrics of the song such as
“Promises being broken so life ain’t the same”
explained how government officials did not keep
their promises to the residents of the Virgin Islands.
Amari placed first runner up in 2015, with
the song entitled “Positive People”which included
the positive role models here in the Virgin Islands
such as Cleve “Grapo” Turnbull(who passed
away that year) Lt. Gov Osbert Potter, Addie Ottle,
Nicholas “Daddy” Friday and Senator Myron
Jackson.
During 2016, wiith his mind on the victory he
captured his first crown with his titled song “Priority”.
The song “Priority” was an informative
message to the Government of the Virgin Islands
on the production and quality of school lunch,
teachers pay and duties and the support of our
children on parade day should be made a #1 priority.
Amigos have been granted countless opportunities
to perform for various schools in the Virgin
Islands, Senator Marvin Blyden, V.I. talented Teen
and much more. Amigos enjoy giving back to his
community whether it’s by singing or giving a
helping hand. Amigos would like to encourage all
other children of the Virgin Islands to be apart of
the Junior Calypso Competition experience.
Abrianna - Princess Abbi - Gregoire
2016 Junior Calypso Intermediate Division Winner
My Experience as the Junior Calypso Intermediate division winner has been by far the
best thing ever to happen to me. On the night of the show when i was first crowned there
were a thousand emotions that overcame me. I was proud of myself and the things I
accomplished not only as an individualbut as a group, we all did well. My first show attended
as a crowned Calypsonian was the Calypso Tent where I got to perform as one of
the opening acts with the other Junior Calypsonians who won. I also got an opportunity
to be a part of the Children’s Parade which was very enjoyable.
My experience has been out of this world and I do look forward to participating again
for the 65th Carnival Celebration.
Monaé “Lady Red” Greene
2016 Junior Calypso Secondary Winner
Gratitude and fellowship are the two words that
come to mind when I think about the experience
I’ve had being a part of the Junior Calypso
Competition. I started participating at the age
of 12 and from the start I felt nothing but support
from the coordinators, musicians, as well
as the fellow calypsonians and their families.
Spending time in the studio recording my
music written by Figgy and produced by MVG
Productions and hearing it with my back vocals
and bass on the radio always made my heart
smile. All of the competitors’ music was so
great, we all sang along and rocked to the tune.
There was never a moment the production felt
like competition; it felt more like a showcase.
Thinking back on the amount of time I had to
learn my music and create steps to do on stage,
really made me realize my strengths as a young
performer. I’m grateful for being taken care of
by Apryl Vialet and her team “my other mommies”.
Doubt was a natural part of my process
but when I hit that stage I knew it was time to
prove myself wrong and be the performer I
would like to see on stage. Looking out seeing
my family front and center wearing my team
shirt every year while I performed will never
be forgotten. I love the atmosphere of everyone
coming out to see us showcase our music.
Every year after performing I would not recall
what I did which is usually a good sign. I would
walk up to Malvern Gumbs “my music daddy”
and try to get some sort of validation. I believe
that he wanted me to believe in myself throughout
the years. No matter what the results of
the competition were, hearing my songs being
played on the radio even after the competition
and people calling me “Lil Red” on the street
still bring so much love for the competition,
everyone involved in it, my support group, and
of course my music.
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 23