Hance wins Ragga Soca title with sweet song

In 2016, Hance John celebrated five years in the soca industry and began on a path of maturity and independence in the arena.

One year later, on Saturday, July 8, at the Victoria Park, his hard work paid off when he was crowned Ragga Soca Monarch 2017. Heading into the competition, John was pegged as the crowd favourite with his wildly popular song “Sugar Mami,” written by him and produced by Swick B Productions and Alex ‘Kubiyashi’ Barnwell.

Leading up to the show, Hance teased the public with snippets on his social media page of what to expect come competition night.

And, last Saturday night, his melodic voice and performance got the judges’ nod over 10 other competitors, including last year’s champion Chewalee Johnson, who failed to make it among the top three.

Former Ragga Soca monarch winner Shernelle “Skarpyon” Williams placed second with “Stay Home Wine”, while former Ragga Soca Monarch Delroy “Fireman” Hooper and newcomer Kalid “Kaviedes” Walters had to settle for third palce with their duet “All Day”.

John told the media after his crowning that he was very happy and proud to finally win his first title in the senior competition. “Most of all, I know the work is yet to come. I am very prepared for that, but for now I’m very happy not only for myself, but for those persons who have been supporting me over the years. I know the fans over the years would have wanted this, especially my people from Mespo,” he said.

He said the fact that his song connects with people sets him apart from the other competitors.

“Older women or mature women are dating younger guys and it’s a growing phenomenon in St Vincent. Not only for the ladies, but for the males as well. So, it hit home to a lot of persons out there and it was the honest truth. And, within that song we try our very best to highlight the good qualities of a good woman or a mature lady.”

John said he wished that his father, who taught him about hard work, was still alive to see him achieve his dream.

The 25-year-old musician performed at number one for the competition, and while many artistes feel performing first puts them at a disadvantage, the new Ragga Soca monarch said over the years he has always chosen numbers close to one and saw it as God’s will.

“My mom told me… ‘Don’t worry about it; it is God put it so.’ And my manager keeps telling me he wanted me to perform number one, just to set the pace.”

John performed in the number two position for the Soca Monarch competition in which he placed second with his song ‘Jab’.

He is now looking outside of St Vincent to further his music career.

“Works have started already in terms of working with different producers, writing with different artistes as well. I have a good network and I have a strong team in terms of Kubiyashi production, Island Network – Herric Horne, have been working very hard,” John disclosed.

As a school boy, Hance won four Junior Soca Monarch titles; he has also written for numerous soca artistes.

An accountant and auditor by profession, John said while his day job demands a lot of his time, his discipline and dedication helps him to strike a balance.

“I am very work committed and my co-workers are very helpful and they help me a lot in terms of balancing my time.”

He thanked his dancers, the La Gracia dance company, and his team for all their hard work and dedication.(CM)