Eklund Z. Adams, known on stage as ‘Officer’, has officially been crowned the 2026 Calypso Monarch in the BVI (British Virgin Islands).
The victory took place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the calypso competition held at the Lavida Cottoy Festiville in Road Town. Adams’ win marks a significant turning point in his festival career, coming exactly one year after a controversial conclusion to the previous season.
For Adams, this title serves as a powerful “redemption” story. In 2025, performing at the Charlie Neil Frett Festiville, he was initially declared the winner of the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival’s Calypso Competition.
However, that victory was short-lived; Adams was subsequently disqualified and stripped of the crown after being found in breach of competition rules, alongside several other participants.
Returning to the stage this year, the performer successfully navigated the requirements of the competition to reclaim the top spot, earning praise from supporters who described the win as “well deserved”.
The Calypso Monarch competition is a cornerstone of the 2026 Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival. This year’s festivities are being celebrated under the inspired theme: “Culture Rising, Hearts Aligned, VI Festival, One of a Kind”.
As the Virgin Islands continue to celebrate their heritage and culture, the crowning of ‘Officer’ stands as one of the highlights of the 2026 season. While the community celebrates this new monarch, additional details regarding the full results and performances are expected to follow.
