The return of this competition, after a few years of "what about us" voiced by our local Soca artists, has brought a sigh of relief. After all, the Calypso Monarch competition was successful, so why not the Soca Monarch competition? For the upcoming Carnival season, the Ministry of Industry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts decided to get involved with the competition's revival. The government will provide financial backing to bring back the Soca Monarch, which last took place in a virtual competition in 2021, with Farmer Nappy's Backyard Jam emerging victorious. However, nothing beats a live show with Soca fans partying and supporting their favored artists.
The Carnival Development Corporation has not released any details regarding the format, rules, and dates for the upcoming competition. How will they judge artists singing a Groovy song and another singing a Power song? Will there be two monarchs, one Groovy and the other Power, or will the artists have to sing two songs, one Power and the other Groovy, to determine a winner? All these issues must be taken into consideration.
Those who preferred the International Soca Monarch may be disappointed, but keep in mind that all other Caribbean carnivals have a 'local Soca Monarch'. Trinidad & Tobago is going back to what was intended: to create a new space, a new vibe, and, if this works, a future competition that will become a fixture for future carnivals in Trinidad and Tobago.
It is okay to feel good, get excited, and prepare to experience epic Soca vibes when the Soca Monarch competition returns to Trinidad and Tobago carnival. Stay tuned to our website for updates on this exciting aspect of our carnival culture. We are confident that the return of the Soca Monarch competition will have a positive impact on Carnival 2025. If planned and executed properly, it should be an epic event for Carnival 2025.
Addendum:
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts is looking for qualified individuals, organizations or firms to submit 'expressions of interest (EOI) to develop, market, promote and manage a Soca competition(s) for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival'.
The ad further stated the following factors (not limited to) should be considered in the submission:
1. Conceptualizing and designing of a contemporary, international competition(s) within the Soca music genre of Trinidad and Tobago. The competition(s) must be seen as the premier Soca competition(s) of the world, with a focus on the growth of Soca music, internationally.
2. A transparent system of adjudication for the competition that includes emphasis on a popular vote/people's choice.
3. Event logistics such as venues, dates, times, infrastructure and other primary resources;
4. Sponsorship for marketing, promotions and prizes; and
5. Financial feasibility and sustainability.
Soca Monarch back for 2025? | News Extra | trinidadexpress.com