Ansa McAl, yesterday launched its ninth edition of the “Carib Soca Monarch”. This year’s competition will see some 22 contestants trying to get their hands on that $1.5M cash price.
Organizers of the event also disclosed, yesterday, that they are seriously considering adding a motorcar as another prize for the winner.
Ansa McAl’s Marketing Manager, Troy Cadogan, said that the reason they keep the competition is because they have realized that music is the life of carnival festival.
He said that contestants were treated to a music workshop with renowned artistes from around the Caribbean. He said that they have had the highest number of entries, 33. He explained that those entries were shortlisted to 22.
From a total of 33 entries, which matched last year’s record, the in-house judging team has selected 22 for the quarterfinal which is scheduled for February 2, 2013 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. Of the 22 quarter finalists, 12 are first time entrants to the competition.
This stage of the competition will see five contestants being eliminated. Those remaining will advance to the semifinal on February 9, 2013 at the Area H Ground, Rose Hall, Corentyne where a further five will be dropped.
The remaining 12 will be joined by the reigning monarch, Jumo Primo, for the grand finale at the National Park on February 16, 2013.
It was explained that the submitted entries were judged on the following components- lyrics, melody, rendition, diction and musical arrangement/party appeal.