Musical editorials, current events, historical accounts, dancing pleasure, amusement are just some of the many types of songs composed and rendered by the artists we call Calypsonians. Calypso Tents are held throughout the islands for several weeks leading up to the Calypso competition. More than 100 performers vie for placement among the 10 finalists. At the competition, the Calypso sovereign is selected and reigns as the musical hero of Carnival. Runners-up are also selected.

Calypso or Kaiso is the classical music form of the Caribbean and has numerous roles such as to inform, educate and certainly to entertain. The skill of the artist is demonstrated by his ability to mold a situation into a unique and interesting composition. Though the styles vary from fast to slow, and from themes such as social commentary to Carnival spirit, the judges are able to use balanced criteria to select winners to the satisfaction of the audience..

This competition is open to artists from all four U. S. Virgin Islands who must perform in one of the several semi-finals Calypso tents that offer a show as well as rhyming contests.

Prior to this event, local Calypsonians join regional and international stars at Calypso Revue to match wit, humor, lyrics and stage antics for a night of brilliant, pulsating, charming and awe-inspiring performances. The best of Caribbean performers as well as Calypso sovereigns from other islands add to the diversity of song styles of the region being performed at St. Thomas’ Carnival.