BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER competing in Trinidad’s International Power Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch Semi-Finals on Sunday (Feb. 13), 26 artistes have made the cut to go through to the Finals at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Friday, March 4.
Those who will be competing in the Finals of the Power Soca Monarch category are Bunji Garlin, Blood,Nadia Batson and Patrice Roberts, Ravi B, Tallpree, Skinny Fabulous, Destra, Iwer George, Fay Ann Lyons, Shal Marshall, Machel Montano HD, Tian Winter and Michelle Xavier who will go up against JW and Blaze for their crown and a prize of TT$2M.
Meanwhile, in the Groovy category, Shurwayne Winchester will defend his title against Saucy Wow, Kes, Kerwin Du Bois, Destra, Chucky, Yankee Boy and Patch, All Rounder, Benjai, Jahmoun, Patrice Roberts, Blaxx, Cassi and Megan.
Among the Semi-Finalists was the Federation’s Soca Monarch Konris Maynard, who returned to the Federation on Monday. He said although he did not make it to the Finals, it was an excellent learning experience.
He said the show, which lasted for approximately eight hours, began at 6:00 a.m. and came to an end around 2:00 a.m. He noted that it was different to that of the Federation and had attracted thousands of patrons.
“I learnt a lot of tricks that I can use in the future. One of the most important things I learnt is that no matter how good your song is, if no one knows it the impact would not be as good,” he added.
Maynard said he would like to see artistes in the Federation get their music into Trinidad before the carnival begins, because if that were not done their songs would not be publicised and known before the competition.
The ‘Unstoppable Force’ singer said he observed that many individuals had attended the event just to see specific artistes perform, such as Machel Montana, Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, and they had left the venue shortly after their performances.
The Trinidad International Soca Monarch Competition is one of the most anticipated shows held during that island’s carnival season and it attracts some of the Caribbean’s beast soca performers.
This has been the first time an individual from St. Kitts/Nevis has competed in that annual event.
