Countdown begins to Fantastic Friday

THE COUNTDOWN has started to Fantastic Friday (Carnival Friday) when the biggest event of that weekend, the International Soca Monarch competition, takes place at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain.



The competition, which made its debut on the pre-Carnival calendar in 1993, has been successful over the years in providing an outlet where soca music can be exhibited on an international stage and enjoyed by fans of the genre. It was the brainchild of businessman William Munro, chairman of Caribbean Prestige Foundation, who remains a driving force behind the event.
Since 2001, artistes have vied for two separate titles — Power Soca Monarch for uptempo songs and International Groovy Soca Monarch for slower-paced songs. Recently an additional award has been added. The People’s Choice involves text message voting by bmobile subscribers who can vote multiple times for their favourite artistes during the competition. The artiste who receives the most votes is given an additional cash prize.


Super blue (Austin Lyons), the first artiste to win the title, has won the competition a record five times. Although several artistes have come close to equalling that record, it remains unbeaten. His daughter, reigning Power and Groovy Soca Monarch Fay Ann Lyons, made history of her own last year when she became the first female winner of the International Soca Monarch in the Power category and the first female to win both titles simultaneously.
The only other artiste to simultaneously capture both titles is Shurwayne Winchester.
Now established as the biggest soca event in the world, the competition attracts artistes from throughout the region and draws an audience of millions annually via live television and online broadcasts. Internationally-acclaimed recording artistes such as Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alison Hinds and Destra Garcia are among those who have graced the Soca Monarch stage.

The finals are now televised and broadcast live to viewers locally, throughout the Caribbean and other regions of the world courtesy the MTV Tempo Television Network. It is also streamed online and is estimated to reach more than 150 million people worldwide through internet broadcasting.


The international appeal of the competition extends well beyond viewership. Award-winning Hollywood actor Samuel L Jackson is expected to head the list of celebrities who will visit this country for the finals on February 12. Also expected in TT for the show are actor and film director Danny Glover, who attended last year.
Here is a listing of the winners to date:

POWER SOCA MONARCH


1993 - Super Blue - Bacchanal Time


1994 - Super Blue - Flag Party


1995 - Ronnie Mc Intosh - On De Road


1996 - Super Blue - Bounce


1997 - Ronnie Mc Intosh -Ent


- Super Blue - Barbara


1998 - Super Blue - Ato Party


1999 - Kurt Allen - Stampede (Dus Dem)


2000 - Super Blue - Pump Up


2001 - Shadow - Stranger


2002 - Bunji Garlin - In de Ghetto


- Iwer George - Gimme ah Bligh


2003 - Iwer George - Ah Home


2004 - Bunji Garlin - Warrior Cry


2005 - Bunji Garlin - Blaze it


2006 - Shurwayne Winchester - Can’t Wait


2007 - Iwer George - Fete after Fete


2008 - Bunji Garlin - Fiery


2009 - Fay Ann Lyons - Meet Super Blue






GROOVY SOCA MONARCH


2005 - Michelle Sylvester - Sleeping in my Bed


2006 - Shurwayne Winchester - Don’t Stop


2007 - Biggie Irie - Nah Going Home


2008 - Shuwayne Winchester - Please Stay


2009 - Fay Ann Lyons - Heavy T Bumper

SOURCE

The imminent crash of Carnival culture: The advent of exclusivity

I saw this article and had to post it because its an observation I too have noticed and have spoken to others about...to me this virus started with Mas, then Panorama and then the fetes.However I am aware that the argument can go this way or that, elements such as crime does factor in who goes where and what they pay, but it’s the ‘I don’t wine , I’m to special to break a sweat ‘ mentality that really kills the vibe, and that same vibe can be found in some so called fun bands too!...

Is it just me, or has the spirit of the true Trini Carnival taken a nosedive? This isn’t a column, but I feel the need to vent so please, bear with me… What is it with Trinidadians and this uptown behaviour? Did all the real, wassy, spirited Trinis die and leave behind a rash-like invasion of people who live for fashion, chit-chatting and networking, eating like gluttons at all-inclusive fetes and binge-drinking because they feel they must get their $600 worth by the time the last band sings? Whatever happened to attending a fete to do just that—FETE? The Carnival experience has diminished and, for the most part, the folks who are attending fetes seem to be doing so for all the wrong reasons. Some may take offence to this piece but it really isn’t meant to offend—just to shake us, as a people, back to reality. Trinbagonians have been spoken of around the world as a carefree people, full of life, zest and energy—never a people to care what anyone thinks.
Trinis make their own rules, especially at Carnival time. Trinis fete like no other people, from any other part of the globe, possibly can. T&T is the Mecca of Carnival—the place it all began and the place that continues to be credited for its influence across the world. Here it is, though, that in 2010, a Carnival experience is defined by an all-inclusive event that begins at 4 pm and ends promptly at midnight. This is meant to cater for those who feel that crime has hindered their ability to go where they want, when they want. And honestly, to some extent, it has. However, as Bunji Garlin rightly states in his 2010 contribution—Brave—if we allow the true Carnival feting culture to die because of a few evil minds, what will we have in the next five years? What will tourists see, experience and understand about our Carnival atmosphere when they arrive? I’ll tell you: they’ll merely realise that nowadays, T&T’s Carnival is quite the same as any carnivalesque atmosphere, anywhere in the world; it’s nothing special anymore.

The public fetes, the way we’d fete till dawn, dripping beads of sweat, bubbling with joyful emotion and wining low to anything from chutney to rhythmic J’ouvert tunes and the hard-core soca beats that pump adrenaline to the hearts of every patron—that is the essence of the Trini Carnival feting culture. In 2010, Bazodee Friday was a shameful display of a crowd who’d come merely to strut their stuff, chat with those they hadn’t seen for the week and stand in heels to prove they could look great at a Carnival fete. Sadly, there was no vibe and the soca bands couldn’t be blamed. The feters are to blame. We as a people must take responsibility for the imminent crash of Carnival. Carnival is that single time of year when people of all socio-economic backgrounds mingle and misbehave as one.

There’s no question of whether one person is from the Beetham and another is from Westmoorings. It’s that time of year when—in the past—we’d wine together, drink together and smile cheerfully at one another. Now, with the advent of all-inclusive bands—there is segregation and they say it’s because of crime—but is it really? Or, is it because there’s money to be made? Ever stopped to think that the reveller in the all-inclusive band that you’re jumping alongside just might be the girlfriend of a drug baron from the Beetham? She, too, can afford to pay the exorbitant price for safety, free food and free liquor. Food for thought…are we really solving the problem of crime by creating exclusive atmospheres for the elite, or are we killing Carnival and segregating society further in the process? T&T, in the weeks ahead, you can find me at Army Fete and Brass—The Rebirth. I palanced with soca’s finest at WASA fete last weekend too. I intend to keep my Carnival untainted by exclusivity and I intend to do it freely, like I did ten years ago.
Trinidad Guardian

Peekaboo plans joyful Carnival for young ones

With Carnival merely two months away, there is much excitement in the industry. From large bands to medium and even children’s Carnival productions, the buzz is rife that Carnival 2010 will be a spectacle of dynamic proportions. One band that is planning a presentation of mass appeal is San Juan-based Peekaboo Productions. Designer Shane James is excited, and with the theme Look To The Hills—A Celebration of Life In Paramin, he seems to have his journey mapped out, with clear focus being kept on the Northern area that’s known for parang, green seasonings and J’Ouvert morning blue devils. The band, in its first year, is seeking to provide its young patrons with a joyful experience of what mas is really meant to be. Having been a part of carnivals across the islands and here in T&T over the years, the local costume designer understands the importance of creating costumes that are suited to what is topical at the moment.

For this reason, he says, Peekaboo has chosen to highlight the good aspects of T&T, in the face of the crippling crime situation that continues to be a topic of discontent. “We are calling on young people to come journey with us and experience the joy of mas. In 2010, we will highlight one of the most beautiful places in T&T—a place that is rich in culture and offers a good experience to anyone who visits.” Costumes, which are available to toddlers and youths up to age 14, range in cost from $650 to $950. Dance De Parang, The Ascent, Blue Devils, Green Seasoning and Cool Breeze are among the sections, and according to James, what will set Peekaboo apart from any other production is its focus on less sectioning and more individuality. James said the bandleader, 23-year-old Natasha Murray, had been instrumental in ensuring that Peekaboo Productions delivers for C2K10.

He said the organisation’s name was chosen to reflect the playfulness that was abundant among children of all ages. He says beyond Carnival, there will be a number of events planned and executed with the youth of T&T in mind. Based at 12 Evelyn Trace, El Socorro, in San Juan, Peekaboo Productions is calling on corporate Trinidad to assist in this endeavour. “This is an amazing opportunity for companies to give back to the young ones and help in making T&T’s Carnival—all areas of it—a truly successful venture,” says James. He says even if Peekaboo is not sponsored, they will ensure that all goes as planned. Call Peekaboo at 721-3166 or 314-0443. They’re guaranteeing the fun and excitement children yearn for.
ABA A LUKE

Published: 21 Dec 2009

Trinidad Guardian