SKINNY STOPS FIREMAN

New Soca Monarch breaks Fireman’s winning streak

History was created at Carnival City Victoria Park last Saturday, July 5th, when a new head was crowned monarch of soca in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Gamal Doyle, stage name “Skinny Fabulous”, wrested the title of Soca Monarch from the “Unstoppable” Delroy “Fireman” Hooper, who has held the title six times, including the past three consecutive years.{{more}}

Dressed as King Leonidas from the movie “300” during the first half of his presentation, and appearing to be holding his head during the second part, Doyle took the title with his presentation of “Head Bad (On The Spot)”, and gained the right to compete in the 2009 International Soca Monarch Competition in Trinidad and Tobago.

Fabulous edged out the crowd-favorite Hooper, who performed “Who E Hut E Hut”, decked out in boxing gear, with ring, referee and competitor and all. 2007 Road March King Shertz “Problem Child” James, competing in the Soca Monarch ring for the first time, placed third with his song “For Life”.

Another crowd pleaser Garret “Icon” John placed fourth with his rendition of “A Pain”, and another newcomer Montgomery “Demus” Laborde took the fifth position with “Crazy Man.”

Saturday’s show, which is considered the most popular on the Carnival Development Corporation calendar, is said to have seen a record attendance this year.