Bunji Garlin and Fayann Lyons-Alvarez have decided not to participate in the upcoming Caribbean Prestige Foundation Soca Monarch Competition. They have bowed out because of clauses that they deem objectionable in the contract. They have decided to stay out based on principle and not because they are afraid of competition.
Let it be known that in the Preliminary round, according to the Trinidad Express Newspaper, Fay Ann topped the Power singing "De Stage Open" in the preliminaries; and Bunji topped in the Groovy category singing his hit song titled "Differentology". This couple is not afraid of competition! So what is the problem? Well here are some of the reasons...
- 5% to Caribbean Prestige Foundation if you win
- 90% of the winnings have to be repaid if you don't defend the title the following year!
- The winners must attend the prize ceremony regardless of where it is hosted (in Trinidad or abroad).
- The winners must also perform for free at a show or event produced by Prestige Foundation.
- Only the finalists receive any money!
Just remember when these artists perform in the Semi Finals they don't get a penny. They perform for free and the place is packed. No one provided any compensation for the investment they make to appear in the Semis. They are responsible for all costs as it related to the props etc. Prestige pockets the gate receipts and all sales/profits from this show. Of course I am aware that there are costs associated with the hosting of the show and that Prestige has to pay for the venue and security but the artists don't get pay!
One should also keep in mind that the prize money for both categories in this Soca Competition is paid by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago!
Ask yourself this question... who is pocketing the profits from this show and what are they really giving back to help promote the culture? If you really think about it Bunji Garlin and Fayann Lyons-Alvarez have opened our eyes to this ridiculous contract. They are not quitters! They are two really good, no not just good, they are extremely talented singers (best of the best) but now we also learn that they are very smart business people! The general public and every lover of the music we call Soca should respect their position taken on the contractual obligations.
It is my hope that the action taken by these two artists will bring about some change that would really bring some respect to this highly controversial competition. In the end it is hoped that people will say that competition hasn't been a detriment to the music but it has enhanced the competitive spirit. In this regard one hopes that it would generate a greater interest in producing better music because everyone wants to be the best and be acknowledged as the best not only by their peers but the general public.
The following two songs will not be heard at the Soca Monarch Competition when the semi final round takes place at the Arima Veledrome on Saturday January 19, 2013. Keep in mind that these two songs were in first place after the preliminary round.
Groovy Soca Category
Differentology - Ian "Bunji Garlin" Alvarez
Power Soca Category
De Stage Open - Fayann Lyons-Alvarez
It is my hope that the action taken by these two artists will bring about some change that would really bring some respect to this highly controversial competition. In the end it is hoped that people will say that competition hasn't been a detriment to the music but it has enhanced the competitive spirit. In this regard one hopes that it would generate a greater interest in producing better music because everyone wants to be the best and be acknowledged as the best not only by their peers but the general public.
The following two songs will not be heard at the Soca Monarch Competition when the semi final round takes place at the Arima Veledrome on Saturday January 19, 2013. Keep in mind that these two songs were in first place after the preliminary round.
Groovy Soca Category
Differentology - Ian "Bunji Garlin" Alvarez
Power Soca Category
De Stage Open - Fayann Lyons-Alvarez