Festivals Minister Daryl Matthew has announced that the Independence Calypso competition will return to Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural calendar.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Carnival awards ceremony, Matthew said the event’s revival is intended to boost national pride and foster a sense of unity. He urged calypsonians to produce music that celebrates Antiguan and Barbudan identity, describing the season as an opportunity to put political differences aside and embrace patriotic spirit.

The competition will be organised by the Calypso committee, with all performers invited to take part. It was last staged in 2020 as a virtual event due to pandemic restrictions, when Leston “King Young Destroyer” Jacobs won the title with _All Hands on Deck_. Peetron Thomas placed second with _Paradise_ , and Glenroy “Epic Byke” Joseph took third for _National Pride_.