The Semifinalists for this year's International Soca Monarch Competition has been announced. Not everyone was happy with the names that were selected and for sure, those left out were very unhappy. Apparently five unknown persons (judges) sat down for a few hours and listened to the songs submitted for the competition. Based on the criteria given to them they (the judges) selected 60 songs (artists) to move on to the Semi-Finals.
Not everyone is happy and some may have a legitimate gripe. Apparently Soca artists who wished to compete in the competition were encouraged to submit two song for pre-judging. The cost for each song was $300.00. That is an easy $600.00 per person. This question begs to be asked: Did they listen to both songs or just one? Why ask for two song submissions if the artists will only sing one song?
Seriously now, do they expect us to believe that they judged the songs and awarded points and fairly created a winners list? How did radio popularity come into play or did it? Then again it looks like all the popular artists who entered the competition are in the semi finals.
Look, this first stage of the selection process has left a bad taste in the mouths of many who paid to be pre-judged and got left behind. We understand that everyone who entered will get in but there should be some form of transparency to alleviate conflicts of interest. Let's hope that the semi-finals judging will be transparent.
International Soca Monarch Post Regarding Singers and Song Selections:
On Sunday 15th January our panel of 5 judges, 1 chief adjudicator , two tabulators sat down for nearly 10 hours listening and judging hundreds of songs. The songs were rated based on lyrics (40%), melody (30%) and arrangement (30%). In the end, 60 artists made it to the semifinals which will be held on Soca Picnic Sunday February 5th at the Arima Veladrome.
Here are the names of the artists who will participate in the semi finals:
Name of Singer Aaron Duncan Adam Elias Adana Roberts Adrian Hackshaw Akeem Chance Akeen Henry Akil Borneo Anson Shradah Asten Isaac Atiba Chance Brandon George Carlton Cordle Chawalee Johnson (SVG) Damian Marvay Darryl Henry Devon Matthews Devon Martin Dexter Blaxx Edwin Yearwood (BIM) Erphaan Alves Heaven Charles Jahmoun Mendoza Jalon Olive (GRN) Jardine Legere Jason Carter Jason Henriques Joel Feveck Kareem Thomas Kerlene Kerlz Kernal Roberts Kerry John Kevin James Kevon Heath Kris Persad Marvin Davis Mical Teja Williams Nailah Blackman Neil Iwer George Nesta Boxill Omar McQuillkin Omardath Maharaj Orlando Octave Patrice Roberts Peter Wiggins Ravi Bisambiar Ricardo Barriteau (ANT) Ricky Joseph Ricky Reid (BIM) Robert Nelson Roderick Gordon Rossi Gray Samraj Jaimungal Sasha-Ann Mosses Sergio Camejo Shakema Rowe Shane Husbands (SVG) Shaquille Mark Sherwin Jeremiah Shondelle Amada (GRN) Shurwayne Winchester Simba Ballantyne Stephenson Marshall Tanzania Sebastian Teddyson John Terri Lyons Tian Winter (ANT) Vanessa John |
Stage Name Aaron Duncan King Bubba Adana Bass aka Trilo-G Preedy Milko 5 Star Akil Shradah Asten Isaac Xone Star George Biggie Irie Chawalee Marvay Farmer Nappy Devon Matthews Lyrikal Blaxx Edwin Yearwood Erphaan Alves Snakey Jahmoun Boyzie Jadel GBM Nutron Linky First Zan Rayza Kerlz Kernal Roberts Kerry John One Voice Yankeyboy KI Swappy Mical Teja Naila Iwer George Sekon Sta Marz Ville Omardat Maharaj Orlando Octave Patrice Peter Ram Ravi B & Karma Ricardo Drue Ricky T Lil Rick Lord Nelson Chuck Gordon RKG Rikki D Jaimaster Sasha Melody Singerboy Sergio Miss Cali Hypa 4000 Chingee M1 aka Menace Dash Shurwayne Balllantyne Shal Marshall Tizzy Teddyson John Terri Lyons Tian Nessa Preppy |
Name of Song Mega Vybz Calling In Sick Doh Tote D Ground On The Low Carnival To Remember Hero Good Body Rum Friends Move As A Tribe Dis Is It Money Well Spent Rumist Know The Face X Man D Journey (Make It) Jammin Sake Ranking Ting Home Sweet Home Barbados Cyah Wait The Cricketer Only You Bullseye D Band Bacchanal Rock and Come In Remember Activate Life Breaking Chains Shake Drinking King Dutty Behavior Boat Rocking Fire Ana Night Away Work Out Take Ah Bath Kings and Queens Bang Bim Balkisoon Single Big Girl Now Good Morning Budget I. D. (Stamp Yuh Name) Freaky Girls Iza Bajan Sugar Mammy Doh Leh Go Ah Like It Carnival Arena My Song Daz Yuh Business Renmen Li No Behavior Welcome To Carnival Vicey No Company Oxygen Passion Dip Pumping Iron No Code I Am Lion In De Middle Activate |
We prepared a YouTube Playlist of the songs that the singers will perform for the Semi-Final Competition. Familiarize yourself with the songs.
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! . We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't share the music and rob the artists of needed income!
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in circle).