Jacqueline Hazel Leader began singing as a student at the Sandy Point High School (now the Charles E Mills Secondary School). She entered her first Junior Calypso competition in 1974 and placed second runner up. She re-entered the following year and earned the first place position.
In 1976 she made her debut in the Senior Calypso Competition and emerged a finalist and hence every year thereafter up to 1984 she competed in and has held her own in the finals of this tough Competition.
In 1995 she entered the first National Female Calypso Competition and placed first runner-up with her song “Women on the Move”, her timely song applauding and encouraging female calypsonians and women in general.
From 1996 to 2017, “Jackie” as she is affectionately called has continued to hold her own in both the Female National Calypso Competition which she has won four (4) times and the male dominated National Calypso Monarch Competition.
Queen Jackie has received several Awards including
- The Ministry of Health and Women’s Affairs Outstanding Award in Culture
- The National Carnival Award for the Development of Calypso in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
- National Carnival Committee Long Service Award for years of contribution to National Carnival
- Federation’s first female calypsonian Recipient of the prestigious MWAC Award in Trinidad
“Queen Singing Jackie” has distinguished herself as a dedicated calypsonian and writer. As a leader among the female calypsonians she has paved the way for the increased participation of females in the Female National Competition and the National Senior Monarch Competition.
Queen Jackie is also a trained teacher who has earned an Undergraduate Degree in the Social Sciences (Suma Cum Laude) and a Masters of Arts Degree in Education at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Mrs Jacqueline Hazel Leader “Queen Singing Jackie” firmly believes that women have as much to offer as their counterparts in any field, be it work or entertainment, and such should be given every opportunity to showcase their talents.
TODAY WE PROUDLY SALUTE MRS JACQUELINE HAZEL LEADER FOR THE MEDAL OF HONOUR IN THE FIELD OF CALYPSO AND MUSIC
