BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LAST year Delly Ranks and Mr. Hype were crowned the Sugar Mas’ 42 Groovy and Power Soca Monarchs respectively, and both of them are expressing confidence of successfully defending their titles at the Soca Monarchs Competition on Friday (Dec. 19).
In the Groovy segment, Delly Ranks would be challenged by 11 competitors including Mr. Bagnall, who was the number one pick in the Semi-Finals, and Mr. Mention as well as Fantastic Tunda.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Delly Ranks expressed full confidence in retaining his title and identified who he sees as his biggest rival.
“I am 100 percent confident that I can win again this year. The biggest challenge for the Groovy is Mr. Bagnall.”
He then disclosed the strategy he would employ to combat all challenges.
“Just to go out and perform hard, do what I have to do, make sure everything is in place and work hard to get what I want.”
Delly Ranks also disclosed that he would be joined onstage with veteran Nevisian calypsonian King Meeko as it was in 2013.
In the Power segment, veteran radio personality Sugar Bowl led the 11 contestants out of the Semi-Finals to challenge Mr. Hype. This segment also includes Mr. Mention, Mr. World and Mr. Bagnall.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Mr. Hype promised a solid performance.
“I am 110 percent ready…I have been preparing for some time now and I have a strong team behind me. I have a very solid performance and presentation prepared and, no doubt about it, I plan to bring it and make sure I hit all the marks I got to hit and retain that crown.”
He was also questioned who he sees as his biggest challenge.
“In all honesty, none of the other people participating. I don’t see them as challenges! All of us bring something different to the table, something unique, and everything that I bring is really different to theirs. It innovates lots of hype, lots of comedy and lots of energy, so the only competition would have been if I had a twin and he was entering. I see nobody is going to bring what I bring, so I think I am in a league of my own right now.”
He also promised a performance that fans would never forget, as he aims to hold on to the title for another year.
“I will give the fans an explosive performance, something that they are never going to forget. If they think last year was hype and big, this year would be bigger. It’s going to be a lot of comedy, hype and ‘Chooking’.”
The Groovy and Power Soca Monarch Competitions are scheduled to be held on Friday at the Sugar Mill.
