Tomorrow night’s International Soca Monarch finals will be the most unpredictable it has been in years. This was the view of multiple soca artistes who spoke to the media yesterday following the draw for positions for the show on Fantastic Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain.
The show is one of the biggest events for the Carnival season and sees soca artistes from other Caribbean countries competing for the crown. It begins at 8 pm and will feature guest performances by seven-time winner, Machel Montano, and this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch K.I.
“This is the first time in years where anybody could be a winner and I think everybody has to bring their game,” said soca singer and radio announcer Adrian Hackshaw (Third Bass).
Hackshaw, whose song “Bum Bum” has been a favourite for soca lovers this Carnival season, said the presence of newer artistes in the competition made it more interesting. His opinion was shared by Darryl Henry (Farmer Nappy) who performs at position number 11. He added: “You can’t sleep on the young ones. You can’t sleep on Voice (Adrian St Louis). You can’t sleep on Third Bass.
“The competition is wide open so you cannot feel like you will win. Everybody has to work to win.”
He said soca music was in good hands and he was proud of all the younger artistes. Henry noted the competition was laden with groovy songs.
“I am going in there with experience and I will be working hard to win,” he said.
Another seasoned artiste, who has recently introduced a new sound to fans, Samraj Jaimungal (Rikki Jai), said it was an honour to be in the finals among the younger artistes. For St Lucian singer, Teddyson John, his performance in the finals means much more than winning.
“It’s a blessing to be representing home. It feels like a win already because the stage is a place you get to showcase.
“I’m really happy because I have a song that everybody seems to love and actually being able to represent my home on a stage with so many great artistes is great.
“I think T&T is like the New York of soca music so once you can make it here you can make it anywhere. I’m just happy to make a stamp here in the mecca of soca music,” he said.
The competition will be shorter this year as the categories have been eliminated, leaving power and groovy as one group. Winners will also be announced in a televised show the following day, a new change for the competition. Performers will be competing for $1 million first prize.
During a short address to artistes chairman of the Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF), Peter Scoon, told artistes to bring their “A Dame” as the competition was a tough one. He also advised artistes that video recording by unaccredited professionals would not be allowed.
Order of performance
1. Cloud 5
2. Sherwin Jeremiah (M1 aka Menace)
3. Peter Wiggins (Peter Ram)
4. Damian Etienne (Hypasounds)
5.Devon Martin (Lyrical)
6. Nesta Boxill (Sekon Sta)
7. Akeem Chance (Preedy)
8. Shurwayne Winchester
9. Patrice Roberts
10. Ronny Boyce (Pternsky)
11. Darryl Henry (Farmer Nappy)
12. Akil Borneo (5 Star Akil)
13. Teddyson John
14. Stephenson Marshall (Shal Marshall)
15. Ricardo Barriteau (Ricardo Drue)
16. Adrian Hackshaw (Third Bass)
17. Samraj Jaimungal (Rikki Jai)
18. Dexter Stewart (Blaxx)
19. Aaron St Louis (Voice)
20. Olatunji Yearwood (defending champion)