Geogetown Soca Monarch to feature 49 artistes

FORTY-NINE (49) local Soca artistes have registered to be part of the 2023 Georgetown Soca Monarch competition.

The event is slated for this Saturday, June 17, at the Sea View Gardens in Georgetown.The music is expected to start at 9:00 p.m. and the competition is set-up to begin at 9.30 p.m. sharp.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT, promoter of the event Lemore Garth Ryan explained that the competition is split into two segments, and 27 of the 49 artistes set to perform are “newcomers” and will do battle in the first segment of the show.

He said the artiste with the most points at midnight (when the first segment is expected to be completed) wins and will be given the option of walking away with EC$500 cash, drinks, and packages that will allow them to participate free of cost in certain aspects of Vincy Mas 2023. If that person decides to forfeit those prizes and move into segment two where they will compete with the “big guns” for the chance to be crowned Georgetown Soca Monarch and take home EC$8,000 cash and other prizes.

“Normally as a promoter I look to put a little twist to things, so the newcomers, we will be giving them an option in what we are calling the Midnight Bang,” Ryan further explained.

“… So you can accept that you won the first segment and walk away with that or forfeit that and go in with the big dogs, some 22 of them, in the second segment,” the promoter said.

The performers in the first segment have five minutes to do their thing. Ryan said they will be strictly adhering to time and anyone who misses their slot will be automatically disqualified. He also said artistes are allowed to use their five minutes as they see fit.

Last year’s competition was won by “Grabba Finesse” and Ryan said the artiste will be defending his crown and is automatically in the second segment of the show.

Also automatically in the second Segment is the winner of the 2023 South Leeward Soca Monarch competition “Shotta”, and winner of the 2023 North Leeward Soca Monarch Competition, the trio of “Farry”, “Emthon” and “Redz”.

“I’m really interested in seeing how creative the youngsters can get with their presentation. A lot of the artistes that go to competitions, especially the young ones, don’t have a lot to look forward to.

“Is always the promoter looking to make and not give back, but I don’t want to be like that so the first-place prize in the second segment is $8,000, a weekend at a local hotel, a phone, a Monday Jam package from FLOW, a Paintopia J’ouvert package and tickets to about three events. Second and third will also receive monetary rewards,” Ryan explained Patrons will have to pay an entrance fee of $20 and $25. Artistes were allowed to register for free.