The President of the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA), Gregory “Karrasah” Riviere, has revealed that the new executive he leads has decided to increase the price of the calypso monarch winner by 25%, from $20,000.00 to $25,000.00.
“The last increase was since 2009 when I won the Calypso monarch, and since then it has remained the same…we have decided to raise the grand prize for the calypso monarch by 25% bringing it from $20,000.00 to $25,000.00. We will be having specials on tickets and will also be engaging the best master of ceremonies for the shows, which is also critical to us,” he stated at a press conference at Calypso House in Bath Estate.
He also revealed that his executive has met with sponsors and potential sponsors, as well as the media, who play a critical role in disseminating the information.
“We have also strengthened our presence on social media, met with the Judges Co-Ordinator since the Judges also play an important role…we have about 60 Judges and will this weekend, December 6, 2025, hold a workshop for them.”
“We want the elimination to be ‘big’ and this 2026 Calypso season will be one of a difference because we will, for the first time, have a VIP for the elimination. The quarter finals are set for January 17, 2026, the semi-final January 31, 2026, and the grand calypso finals set for February 14, 2026, Valentine’s night,” Riviere remarked.
He also called for the support of everyone, stating that they have already secured sponsorship from Josephine Gabriel & Co., Flow Dominica, along Big Edge. “We are also speaking with other sponsors as we want to be proactive; hence, we will be having a bar from the quarter finals until the finals to also assist us in our fundraising drive,” he said.
Riviere also called on patrons to support the various tents from Stardom tents that open on January 13 to Mas Camp, as they also aim to decentralize the art form.
Public Relations Officers (PRO) Peter Letang also revealed that “all is set for an exciting season.” He also revealed that the songs so far are “entertaining” and the band is set and ready to go with Cornel Phillip replacing him on the keyboards. “Remember no calypso no carnival,” he said.
Tickets for the elimination are regular $20.00, seating $30, and VIP $100.00. For the quarters, advance tickets $30.00, regular $50.00, seating $60.00, and VIP tickets will soon be determined. Semis advance $40.00, regular $60.00, seating $70.00, and VIP yet to be determined. For the finals, advance $80.00, regular $100.00, seating $150.00, and VIP yet to be determined. They are also offering special discount packages for groups. The streaming of the quarter finals will be US$15, the Semis, US$20 the finals, 30.