If you did not know or you were told that there will not be a Soca Monarch show for 2014 then let us set the record straight - yes, there will be a show! Soca Monarch 2014 is going to be a blast- well this was the blast off! Do you plan to attend? Well there is an incentive to attend... five cars will be given away to lucky audience participants during the show!
It was Thanksgiving celebration in the US but in sweet Trinidad and Tobago at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain Caribbean Prestige Foundation in conjunction with the Ministry of Arts and Multi Culturalism the Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch, Digicel Power Soca Monarch and the Blue Waters Peoples Choice competitions were officially launched. Everyone can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the show is an officially announced event.
I watched most of the event and watched the Karaoke event that was fun to watch because even the artists could not do it well. Denise Saucy Wow gave a hint of what is to come with a taste of her Chuku Chuku.The producers of the show were cognisant of the fact that it was the Christmas season with many Christmas selections along with Soca Parang and Parang Soca songs performed. Anslem Doublas sang "Have Youself a Merry Christmas" that may have brought tears to many faces in attendance.
There was comedy and then there was Aaron Duncan... all within the Karaoke segment. Aaron sang "Hero". This young man is such a great talent. However, as the show continued I wondered about the 'Scouting for talent style' event that was unfolding with another American song performed on stage... Hello sung by Stefan Williams. This was the launch of the Soca Monarch Competition...correct?!?!?
Orlando Octave came on and started a freestyle war with one of the radio hosts from Slam 105fm - that was funny as hell! Then there was the essence of Trinidad and Tobago's Christmas celebration - Parang music in the Karaoke segment. Then came Rohan "Fireball" Richards...it has been some time since this artist graced the stage for an event in Trinidad and Tobago. He was warmly received when he came on to sing. Sorry to say but at this juncture I lost the stream! Gosh, I really hope that this is not the case for shows that would be streamed live next year!
Well at least now we all know that there will be a show and that all that was pronounced by Mr. William Munroe last year has not come to pass. For those who dislike the show and believe that it is the one event that is holding back Soca Music and the artists in general... sorry! I enjoy all the competitions during the Carnival season and Soca Monarch is one of the grandest. I am pleased that the show will go on... let the Madness begin!