Words by Tishanna Williams—
Soca Monarch 2014 semi-finals was off the chain! With a first prize of $2 million in play, performers came hard and, in a new twist, the Groovy Soca Category has taken over the Power Soca with respect to entrants. But we’re not too surprised here at LargeUp considering our 2013 Soca Top 10 list pretty much predicted this trend by featuring more groovy than power. Over 77 acts touched the stage AT? vying for a place in the Soca Monarch Finals and, when the dust cleared and the results were in, the judges picks were surprising to say the least. For the first time in years, the finals on “Fantastic Friday” (this year on Feb. 28) will be without some heavy-hitting names.
While no one is particularly surprised at the exclusion of Benjai after his performance where he hit the stage in full swing, (literally) wearing boxer briefs ONLY, the absence of other favorites like Blaxx, Swappi, Shal Marshall and Olatunji from the finals is causing quite a stir among the soca-loving public. It doesn’t help that Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and Kees all chose not to compete this year.
Some are already saying just give the money to Machel Montano who, having copped the Monarch title last year along with Super Blue, is not required to compete until the final night but already has released a slew of hot tracks. Super Blue’s track “Carnival Yo-Yo” only dropped this past weekend, so it’s too early to tell what impact it will have on the Carnival.
As usual there will be a celeb commentary panel and this year (Tahiry Jose, Anthony Anderson, Nicole Arie Parker and Boris Kodjoe). But, really, the question on everyone’s mind is: With powerhouses like Mr. Killa (whose performance of “Rolly Polly” was the talk of the Semi-Finals) and Skinny Fabulous (his “Behaving the Worst” is inspiring previously unseen levels of wanton revelry) giving local acts heavy competition, will the Soca Monarch title be leaving the country for the first time since its inception in 1993?
Hailing from Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, respectively, these two men have have us anxious to see what they have in store on Fantastic Friday. Although few Trinis would even consider the possibility, is there a chance that the Power and Groovy Soca Monarch title could be taking up residence elsewhere? In two Fridays from now, we find out. In the meantime, take a look at who we think will lead the pack.
Groovy Soca Monarch
Machel has won the Groovy Monarch title for the past two years and Power Soca for the past three, so we know he has what it takes to win in both categories. Though we have no idea what the hardest working man in the business is coming with for 2014, he has released a few Monarch-worthy songs for the season thus far. Favorites this season include “Happiest Man Alive (HMA),” “Drop It Down,” “E.P.I.C.,” and “Sound Bang.”
With his high energy performance powered by an entire rythym section of drums and iron no less, the Vincy star definitely impressed at the Soca Monarch semi-finals. Show me yuh worst behaviour!
Singer/songwriter Kerwin’s has been a part of some of the biggest tracks for the Carnival over the years. He is a groovy artiste to be reckoned with and “Too Real,” his sexy/naughty ode to the ladies who know how to move their waists is a major hit.
Finally the brass band sound of soca is back, and Trinidadians have this man to thank. Although there is some controversy about Nappy’s “Big People Party” — the music is strikingly similar to St. Lucian Groovy Soca Monarch Teddyson John’s 2012 soca track of the same name — this song shows no sign of waning popularity.
The headlining female of Machel Montano’s HD band is looking and sounding hotter than ever. Her hit single “Rough Meh Up” is an anthem among the ladies and her Semi-Finals performance in hot shorts and black thigh high boots had men drooling.
Power Soca Monarch
Mr. Killa’s Soca Monarch semi-finals performance saw the artiste flood the stage with “rolly polly” women, including one who surfed above the audience to the stage. But the highlight was his being challenged by the biggest lady (dressed in fluorescent green spandex) and failing — THREE TIMES! Not to be outdone, the Roly Polly king has promised to conquer her for the finals, and we can’t wait to see if he can.
Trinis love a good rum song and “Conquer Meh” is a hot one. His soca semis presentation may not have been the most hyped but Lyrikal’s song is a serious contender.
We will admit, people were starting to wonder about Blue’s 2014 Monarch contribution — He only dropped his track three days ago! But he does hold the most Soca Monarch titles, so it’s obvious he has the formula, and his 2013 power soca “Fantastic Friday,” which won him a shared title with Machel Montano, was the runaway hit of the season. He has another two weeks to make waves with his track “Yo Yo.” Will it be enough time for the Soca Daddy?
Mr. Famous’ “Play More Local” has been going hard since 2013. With lyrics calling for radio to play more local music and bring back the songs of legends like the Mighty Kitchener, Sparrow and Shadow, Mr. Famous seems to have produced a serious contender for the groovy title.
The man is the General of Hype! He could sing a song with only one word on repeat and the crowd would still be in a frenzy. This enigmatic soca icon is at it again and getting the same result this year with his song “Mama Oh.”
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