The Soca Monarch Competition returns to the Mash Calendar after a two-year hiatus. The competition, which was previously administered by Ansa McAl group, is now going to come under the purview of the Central Mashramani Committee.
During a press briefing yesterday, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, announced that the Ansa McAL Group is once more a major sponsor of the event.
Norton said, “Given their commitment to the development of culture and intimate involvement with the promoting and popularising of the Soca Monarch competition in Guyana, Ansa McAl has come onboard, with the Government, as the main sponsor of the event which they will promote under their Carib Brand.”
According to the Minister, 18 entries were received, but after the audition process 15 persons were successful in gaining a place in the semi-finals.
“Music is the bloodline of the Mashramani Festival; as such, the Ministry is pleased to be reintroducing the Soca Monarch Competition to its schedule of activities. We believe that the competition also provides an opportunity for our artistes to showcase their talent and contribute to the development of our creative industries,” Norton added.
This year, an overall $12.5 Million has been plugged into the competition; the winner of the Soca Monarch title will walk away with $1.5 million, the second place winner will receive $750,000 while there will be consolation prizes of $100,000.
The semi – final which is scheduled for February 10 in the mining town of Linden, will see five contestants being eliminated with the remaining 10 battling for the title in Georgetown on February 17.