His eventual elevation to the Junior Soca Monarch title was seemingly on the cards from earlier this year. He was the youngest participant in the Soca version of the new song Competition. Having cleared that barrier, the young Shrevrell ‘Smac’ McMillan could have been regarded as a favourite for the Junior Soca title. {{more}}

But he had to deliver.

Smac fulfilled all expectations at Carnival City last Tuesday and with the number ‘The rhythm’ on his way to royalty.

A fifth former at the St. Martins secondary School, Smac is from a cultural family. His mother Natasha ‘Misty’ McMillan has been a stalwart in the female calypso arena.

Second place went to Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia’s Esther ‘Esta’ Alexander with her number ‘Infection.’

In third spot was Bethel High School’s ‘Keneisha ‘Spice K’ Gordon with ‘Raise it up.’

Last year’s monarch Kara ‘Dymond’ Johnson was knocked out of the running with her number ‘Party revelers.’

The other contenders for the Soca title were: Pamelus Burke Primary’s Cherry ‘Spice’ Joseph who did ‘Punta,’ Bethel High School’s Zamfir Adams who did ‘Jump up,’ St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua student Cameisha ‘Meisha’ Hunte who did ‘In the air,’ and St. Vincent Grammar School’s Deron John with ‘Run from the tidal wave.’

The band Akcess provided musical accompaniment.