BASSATERRE St. Kitts – THE word SOCA, according to Wikipedia.com, is defined as a style of Caribbean music originating in Trinidad and Tobago that was developed overtime by other sister nations. But, has this sensation been displayed to the effect of the word?
The question is…are the Soca Monarch contenders of this year’s Sugar Mas 42 Competition ready to give the Federation an unforgettable Mas experience?
Based on their performances thus far, it is safe to say that the lyrics for some of the songs are exceptionally excellent and promises a great performance, but what most of contenders lack is crowd control and energy; apart from other observations.
Performers such as Trinidad’s own Machel Montana, Denise Belfont, Destra Garcia and Shurwayne Winchester, just to name a few, have all placed their marks as Soca’s finest not only to the twin-island Republic but the world.
With sold-out performances worldwide, these artistes were birthed with energy and the all-important crowd command. Our artistes should do the same.
Organisers from the Carnival Committee might argue upon the reason for this article, but they themselves know the importance of their contenders to have full command and an atmosphere of energy for the hundreds anticipated on the night of the Semi-Finals.
One might say that Soca is now becoming a sensation in St. Kitts and Nevis, but take a walk down memory lane and you will see that artistes of yesteryear from our Federation are now considered legendary performers.
According to the St. Kitts and Nevis Times, Calypso icon Ellie Matt has created history in the Federation by winning the National Calypso crown on 10 occasions and the Road March title seven times. He is also worldwide known for his illustrious career with the Group Impressions and Ellie Matt and the GIs Brass.
Ellie Matt was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the International Soca Awards ISA back in 2009.
Winning his first Calypso and Road March titles in 1973, the name Ellie Matt will forever be synonymous with music in St. Kitts and Nevis and also the Caribbean region.
Stage presence
The way an artiste presents himself is another category judges score on, especially in the Power category.
We’re not talking about the attire of the artistes, but the settings and storyline for their performances. It is too early indeed to have a sneak peek into what the artiste have planned, but a word of advice to them is be “unpredictable”.
Sex appeal has so far been the top notch remedy used by one particular artiste who drew a massive crowd at the Independence Square last Friday (Nov. 29).
With his very absurd lyrics having every woman in the Federation to the tip of his tongue, Hot Rod has truly proven himself a shining artiste. But, he too, like the others, needs to up his performance.
Although many women in St. Kitts live with the belief that a man gyrating his waist to lyrical music is “homophobic”, movement in the Soca world has proven to be one of the many ways to transfer energy to a crowd.
Maybe the organisers can have past Soca artistes, right from the Federation or even international performers, mentor some of the contestants rather than having them struggle onstage.
A word of advice to the 30 contenders: you are the writers of your singles and as such you know exactly what you need to do in order to ‘fete’ your way into the top spot. Pull out all the tricks come Semi-Finals night and prove to the Federation that you have the right to be more than a Monarch, but also a Soca sensation.
