Rivaldo London wins 2026 Young Kings Calypso Monarch

2026-02-04 - 17:19

Rivaldo London has been crowned the 2026 Young Kings Calypso Monarch. On Tuesday, 16 finalists competed in the event, hosted by the National Action Cultural Committee at the Queen’s Park Savannah. The 23-year-old is no stranger to the calypso arena, having already secured the 2019 Junior Calypso Monarch title. His victory this year was sealed by a performance of his song Water Thicker. Composed by London alongside Kenny Phillips, the song draws on the Biblical story of Cain and Abel and challenges the adage that “blood is thicker than water,” suggesting that family is not always safe or loving. Instead, London delivers the message that strangers and those outside one’s bloodline can sometimes offer deeper care, revealing who truly shows up, and that in some cases, “water thicker.” Results 1st place, Rivaldo London, Water Thicker 2nd place, Marq Pierre, How Yuh Feeling 3rd place, Sherwin Babb (Becomer), Voicemail to Mother Kamla 4th place, Nicholas Ashby (Nikko Ash), Special Assignment 5th place, Nyol Manswell, My Prayer for Peace 6th place, Aaron Duncan, Birthplace