BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - DESPITE all the hype, creativity and 100 percent self-confidence, performers were reminded why it is what one presents onstage on the night of major competitions that matters.
This was the harsh reality 2013 Power Soca Monarch Mr. Hype and Groovy Soca Monarch Delly Ranks were reminded of when they were dethroned early this morning (Dec. 20) by Sugar Bowl and Mr. Bagnall, respectively.
Beaming high in confidence with their entries ‘Chook’ and ‘Rum Food and wuk up’, the two artistes were brought down to earth to face the reality that high self-confidence does not easily win you major competitions such as the much talked about Soca Monarch titles.
After an unusually late start to an action-packed night of competition at the Sugar Mill (Carnival Village) in Warner Park, several hundred patrons were in for a night of high voltage Soca performances.
Little known Eazi kicked off the Finals of the 2014 TDC Groovy Competition with a rendition called ‘Monster in Your Bed’, which was much to the disappointment of an unresponsive crowd of several persons who came early to witness the top performers work their waistline.
His stage presence was only good enough to gain him eighth position with 199 points at the end of the competition.
But as the night progressed and the not-so-popular acts performed, patrons started to fill the venue to see Mr. Bagnall, bedecked in a black suit and sun shades, to dish out the tune which would eventually win him the crown.
Singing ‘Carnival Boss’, Bagnall drew inspiration from the high-pitched voices of women in the crowd, some of whom were screaming in delight during his performance, as he utilised the entire stage.
Mr. Bagnall had the appropriate props to go with his rendition as well as dancers who seemed to have patterned their moves from a popular regional song, some members of the crowd said.
Even though several persons in the crowd were overheard echoing those comments, the Groovy King had a different thought when he spoke with SKNVibes.
“The performance was really about the Carnival Office and the Carnival Boss…The Ministry of the road theme is totally different from what I did tonight. Anybody that does this, I say follow Mr. Bagnall.”
Preceding Bagnall’s performing was defending Monarch Delly Ranks, who had planned to retain the title with his ‘Rum Food and Wuk-up’ song which depicted the Carnival atmosphere.
But he did not impress the all-important judges who awarded the Nevisian a combined total of 226 points and the Second Runner-up position.
“I went out and put out all my best and I really defended,” Delly Ranks said.
One of the surprise performances of Friday night’s Groovy Competition belonged to Gregory ‘Mr. Mention’ Hobson, who worked his waistline, brought his dancers to work over the crowd and to bring fanfare to the judges. He was adjudged First Runner-up with 230 points.
After the Groovy dust had settled, it was time for a switch over to the big boys of the Power Monarch, which brought electrifying performances from each of the 12 competitors.
With Mr. Hype set to defend his crown, the others knew that they either had to bring their top performance or go home empty handed.
The gauntlet was laid down from the first performer, but it was the last one who amazed the audience and was definitely their favourite.
The artiste was Leslie ‘Sugar Bowl’ Morton bringing down the curtains with his ‘What you gonna Do’ song.
Morton left no stone unturned during his performance as his dancers exhibited the ability to ‘wuk’ their waistline in all angles and positions, regardless of age and size.
He was left with no option after the likes of Mr. Hype and his ‘Chook’ performance, which brought the crowd to life when his dancer showed what true Kittitian Soca is as they made their presence felt onstage.
Hype however did not place in the top three of the competition.
It was the surprise performance of Mr. Mention who copped the First Runner-up position with 246 points and he was followed by Mr. Bagnall with ‘Mash it up’ on 242 points, but it was Sugar Bowl who took home the bacon with 249.
Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Sylvester Anthony told SKNVibes that he was pleased with the competition and noted that this year’s events have seen a high level of performances by the Soca artistes.
“It was a great night and a great morning. The artistes really put on a tremendous performance and I have to congratulate all the winners and those who did not place. They did us and themselves proud! There has been tremendous improvement this year in terms of the quality of their music and the show all together.”
