Soca lovers, get ready! One of the biggest and most anticipated competitions on the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival calendar is making a triumphant return. The International Soca Monarch (ISM) is back for Carnival 2027, bringing with it the excitement, rivalry, musical creativity, and competitive spirit that have made it an important part of the Carnival experience.

This year's revival also carries special significance, as the event will pay tribute to the life and extraordinary legacy of the late Calypso and Soca icon, The Mighty Sparrow, a figure widely regarded as the greatest Calypsonian of all time. Celebrating Sparrow's contribution to Caribbean music is undoubtedly worthy of the spotlight, but many fans are also wondering what the return of the ISM means for the future of Soca competition in Trinidad and Tobago itself.

Across the Caribbean, Soca Monarch competitions remain important fixtures on the Carnival calendar. Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Barbados continue to crown their Soca Monarchs annually, with artists and supporters passionately embracing the competition and the bragging rights that come with the title. Even Tobago staged its Soca Titans competition for Carnival this year, showing that the appetite for competitive Soca performance is still strong.

Yet in Trinidad, the birthplace of Soca music, there appears to be little momentum for a dedicated national Soca Monarch competition. The International Soca Monarch certainly provides a stage where artists from Trinidad and Tobago compete alongside performers from across the Caribbean diaspora, but its winner is not necessarily crowned as Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Monarch. As a result, the country that gave the world Soca music currently lacks a national title that recognizes the best competitive Soca performance of the Carnival season.

Why has this happened? Is it changing audience tastes, rising production costs, sponsorship challenges, or simply a shift in how artists and fans engage with Carnival? Whatever the reasons, many longtime supporters would agree that there is something special about the anticipation, debates, performances, and rivalries that a Soca Monarch competition brings. Fantastic Friday has always possessed a unique energy, creating memorable moments and giving fans another reason to immerse themselves in the Carnival season.

For now, the return of the International Soca Monarch is cause for celebration. Let's hope the event receives the corporate support and public backing needed not only to succeed in 2027 but also to establish itself as a permanent fixture on the Carnival calendar once again. Because whether you're a competitor, a fan, or simply a lover of vibrant Soca music, Carnival feels just a little more exciting when the road to a monarch's crown is part of the journey.

Announcement: 

• Scorch Events has confirmed the return of the International Soca Monarch (ISM) competition on February 5, 2027, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Tribute to Mighty Sparrow: 

• The revived competition will honor legendary calypsonian Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who passed away in New York at age 91.

Previous Competitions:

• The last virtual competition was held in 2021, with Farmer Nappy winning with Backyard Jam.
• The last physical competition was in 2020.
• Kes and Iwer George shared the Power Soca title, while College Boy Jesse won the Groovy Soca title.

Three Competition Categories:

• Power Soca
• Groovy Soca
• Steam Soca (a newly introduced category).

Introduction of Steam: 

• The new category recognizes the evolving sounds and influences of contemporary Soca, creating more opportunities for both emerging and established artists.

Mighty Sparrow Tribute Requirement: 

• Every finalist must pay tribute to Mighty Sparrow through lyrics, melody, or costume. This tribute will contribute to their overall score.

Judging Process: 

• Scorch promises greater transparency and credibility through a judging panel comprising music industry professionals, cultural commentators, and Soca veterans.

People's Choice Award: 

• The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite contestant.

Purpose of the Competition: 

• According to Scorch CEO Kwesi Hopkinson, the competition aims to support the continued growth, development, and prosperity of the Soca industry.

Platform for Artistes: 

• Hopkinson describes Soca Monarch as the “Champions League” of Carnival and Soca music, providing established artists with a platform to defend their reputations while giving new talent an opportunity to shine.

Competition Timeline:

• Qualifiers begin in December 2026.
• Semi-finals take place in January 2027.
• The grand final is scheduled for February 5, 2027.

Funding and Partnerships: 

• Scorch is currently financing the revival but remains open to partnerships with the public and private sectors.

Outstanding Details: 

• The official venue and cash prizes have not yet been announced.

The results will include the following:

• Groovy Soca Monarch
• Power Soca Monarch
• Steam Monarch
• People's Choice Winner

After years without a physical staging, the big question is, who will rise to the occasion and claim the Power, Groovy, and Steam crowns in 2027?

One thing is certain: Fantastic Friday is back, and the road to Soca Monarch promises to be an exciting one!

Of course, there are many songs to be excited about, but aspiring competitors will need a fresh composition that pays tribute to the life, wisdom, and unforgettable contributions of The Mighty Sparrow. Until those songs arrive, we're turning our attention to one that already captures that spirit beautifully. "Thank You Sparrow" by Machel Montano, Kernal Roberts, and Sharlan Bailey is a moving calypso tribute that not only honors the Calypso G.O.A.T. but also hints at what may be to come as the International Soca Monarch returns to the Carnival landscape. Enjoy.

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Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Thank You Sparrow

Performed by: Machel Montano x Kernal Roberts x Sharlan Bailey

Produced by: Machel Montano, AdvoKit Productions and Daniel “Milo Strings” Roberts

Written by: Machel Montano, Sharlan Bailey, Kernal Roberts, Daniel Roberts, Kitwana Israel, Anthony Chow Lin On & Miguel Charles

Horns arranged and played by: Daniel Ryan

Guitars: Daniel “Milo Strings” Roberts

Bass: Miguel Charles

Piano: Leston Paul

Choir: Joel ‘Lucrativ’ Joseph, Jonnelle Manwaring, Karyce Bartholemew, Joel Prince, Sherisse Collymore, Krystyn Kalloo & Kizzie Huggins

Recorded by: Azikiwe Keller, Kitwana Israel, Kyle Phillips, Anderson “Rebel Muzik” Bedasi, and 1st Klase

Additional background vocals: 1st Klase

Additional vocals: Franz Job

Mixed & mastered by: AdvoKit Productions

Contains a sample of "Memories" by Mighty Sparrow

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Soca 🎶

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