Thirteen Soca Monarch finalists named amid downpour in Berbice

Feb 10, 2014 News

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By Rehana Ahamad

It rained incessantly in New Amsterdam, Berbice on Saturday night, and while it did cause hours of delay, the heavy showers did not prevent the judges from naming the finalists of the CARIB Soca Monarch 2014.

The 13 contestants scheduled to challenge reigning Soca Monarch, Jumo “Rubber waist” Primo for his title are Quacy ‘Avalanche’ Coates, Clifton ‘Passion’ Adolphus, Kemmyanna ‘Kemmy’ Garnett, Jonathon ‘Lil Red’ King, Abigail ‘AJ’ James, Ernest Nelson called ‘Ernesta’, Compton ‘Mysterious’ Boyce, Roger ‘B’ Bowen, Shelon ‘Shelly G’ Garraway, Melissa Roberts better known by her stage name ‘Vanilla,’ and Kwesi ‘Ace’ Edmondson.
The two other artistes who clearly amazed the judges and audience were newcomer, Timeka “Lady T’ Sinclair,’ who wowed all with her surprise dance stunts during her “Hit the Road” performance, and Orlando ‘Bones Man’ Johashen, who accompanied his witty piece- “Blow,” with his strange yet very entertaining dancing.
The latter two contestants were outstandingly energetic and had the full support of a gyrating crowd, even amid the drizzle in the wee hours of the morning, although, this might be attributed to their Berbician roots. Admittedly though, their performances were great.
The very much anticipated tenth annual CARIB Soca Monarch got underway shortly before midnight, a few hours after its scheduled 20:00hrs start. But, this was not an issue for the large crowd gathered in front of the stage, which was set up on ‘Stelling Road’ just outside the New Amsterdam Boat Stelling.
Loud and tempting music filled the cool air as the flamboyant lights, provided by the Crown Vibes technical crew, created an especially exciting party environment.
But this did not prevent families from taking up picnic-style positions at the corners of the venue. It was a treat for the little ones who were obviously up way past their bedtime.

The more energetic young adults were the ones gyrating at stage front before and even after the competition ended at around 04:00hrs.
The stage was opened by the Heat Waves Band, whose lead singers and back-up dancers gave a spectacular performance, setting the tone for the acts which would follow.
But, it would appear as though Mother Nature had other plans, as heavy showers took its course, lasting for more than an hour.
As the sudden rain began, patrons all scooted for cover- under the beer tents and the few shops alongside ‘Stelling Road’.
Meanwhile, as the crowd dispersed, and even amidst the loud showers, some amount of murmuring was heard emanating from the crowd. It was criticisms towards a woman who was left sitting on a chair just in front of the stage, with a small baby in her arms. It was definitely ridiculous, and although she was armed with an umbrella, it was evident that the little one was not spared of the rain.
Luckily, a member of the Crown Vibes team went to the rescue, trying his best to bar the child from the rain, as he escorted the woman into a nearby shop.
Meanwhile, the music speakers had to be covered with tarpaulins, bringing a halt to the competition which was about to begin. However, music continued to be played from the covered speakers, and patrons were dancing from under their shelters.
The rain was a disappointment, but the one-hour period sought to expose a somewhat hidden talent- it was that of the dancing man sweeping the accumulated water off the stage.
It was the same baby-rescuer who became the centre of attention, and the judges’ favourite. Even the sizzling back up dancers had nothing on the man who splendidly turned sweeping into a massively entertaining dance choreography.
Some even opined that the man should be awarded the $1.5M first prize money up for grabs in the approaching CARIB Soca Monarch finals.
The actual competition started shortly after 01:00hrs, but still saw a few brief interruptions because of the weather.
But despite this, the Soca singers gave it their best shot, as the night’s performances moved apace. The five who scored less on the judges’ sheet were then eliminated, bringing the competition to an end.
Come Saturday February 15, the finalists will all go up against Guyana’s Soca Monarch 2013, Jumo Primo, who was not present at the semi finals over the weekend, due to his earned participation in the Regional Soca Monarch Competition, which was being held simultaneously in Trinidad and Tobago.
The second prize winner of the finals would be given $500,000, while the persons placing third and fourth would receive $250,000 and $100,000 respectively. The best new comer will be awarded $100,000.
Also booked to share the fun-ship is CARIB’s Brand Ambassador, Trinidadian artiste KES and his band, a team that usually leaves no stone unturned when it comes to thrilling revelers.

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