On Tuesday, February 3rd, the NACC held the Young King Calypso Monarch Competition at Carnival City, Port of Spain, showcasing the youth power in Calypso. From a field of sixteen finalists performing at Carnival City, Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Rivaldo London, just 23, rose above the pack—claiming the 2026 Young King title, the second crown of his young career.
I remember the first time I heard the song. I was traveling from Hampshire College in Massachusetts back to New York City when KP sent it for me to listen to, review, and post. I told him straight: this one is a winner. Little did I know that “Water Thicker” would take its first championship step right here, securing the Young King Calypso Monarch title.
The song gives a lyrical twist to the old saying, “blood is thicker than water,” with Rivaldo arguing that sometimes the deepest care comes from those outside your family circle. It’s not always about the bloodline first—sometimes a brother or sister from another mother is the one who truly brings it home.
So how are you feeling about the results, my dear bush-judges—satisfied, surprised, or still debating in the rumshop of your mind? Whatever your take, one thing is clear: it was a night of messages, truth-tellers throwing lyrical jabs, sweet melodies, and youthful mastery—and now, the results are in.
Final Results – Young King Calypso Monarch 2026
- Rivaldo London—Water Thicker
- Marq Pierre—How Yuh Feeling
- Sherwin Babb aka “Becomer”—Voicemail to Mother Kamla
- Nicholas Ashby aka Nikko Ash—Special Assignment
- Nyol Manswell—My Prayer for Peace
- Aaron Duncan—Birthplace
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: NACC Young King Calypso Monarch
Venue: Carnival Village
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
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