Keontae Willock, known as Kid Fresh, captured the 2026 Independence Calypso Monarch crown on Friday night after making a last-minute decision to enter the competition.

He dethroned King Young Destroyer, who finished as first runner-up, while Reign secured second runner-up as Antigua and Barbuda celebrates its 45th anniversary of independence.

In a Facebook post celebrating his victory, Kid Fresh said he had long wanted to participate in calypso but fear had held him back.

“I’ve always had a passion for calypso but was too afraid to even take part, but with the support of my team I was able to pull through and take a leap!” he wrote.

The new monarch said he decided to register just days before entries closed. He then contacted Darryl Gervais, and the pair wrote his competition song in a single day.

“Little did we know that we made a patriotic hit!” he said.

Kid Fresh credited his team with helping him overcome his doubts, singling out creative director Henré for believing in him and pushing him to achieve more than he thought possible.

He also thanked his dancers, including Tarren and the team, for their work supporting his performances.

“God is always the first to give thanks to. I prayed for moments like these,” he wrote.

The singer congratulated his fellow competitors and thanked the calypso committee, the Department of Culture and the Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission.

Friday’s competition also recognised longstanding contributions to Independence calypso. Short Shirt’s “Pledge” was named the best Independence Calypso of the past 45 years, while Stanley Humphreys received the award for most outstanding Independence Calypso writer.

Source: Antigua News Room Kid Fresh dethrones Young Destroyer to win Independence Calypso crown.