The New Amsterdam Stelling Road will be a buzz with activity on Saturday evening as the semi finals of the Carib Soca Monarch competition is held with a lot to expectation. This year, 32 entries were submitted but only 18 were short listed for the semis.
Those were Adrian Dutchin, George Abrams, Jumo Primo, Ashanti Hostad, Dean McRae, Devon Lewis, Ernesta Nelson, Jermaine Mc Been, Jonathan King, Jory Hector, Kemmyanna Garnett, Levar Gittens, Mark Amar, Melissa Roberts, Onassis Croker, Orlando Johashen, Quacy Coates and Timika Nicholson.
After a one year hiatus, Adrian Dutchin returns to the scene with “592 Possee’ and is definitely one contestant capable of taking the title from Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson. Also returning after a year’s leave is George Anthony Abrams also called “Chiney” out of the mining town of Linden. He will be performing “Mirrors”.
Jonathan “Lil Red” King is also a favourite to take the title this year but Vanilla Roberts with “Massive” is coming strong. All time favourite, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo who is smashing up the airwaves with “Unruly” might clinch his third Soca Monarch title.
However, for the first time, Jory Hector who has been performing dancehall music has entered the soca competition. He is quite confident about the transition and hopes to win the title with his tune “Whistle”. Other newcomers are Devon Lewis; Mark Amar; Dean McRae and Jermaine Mc Been.
Reigning Soca Monarch Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson will defend his title on February 14 in the National Park Arena. Out of the 18 semi-finalists, 13 will advance to the finals.
At the finals they will be battling for $1.5 million, bragging rights for a year, and a chance to represent Guyana at the International Sosa Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago.