Ricky T Blazes at Soca Monarch

Saturday Night the Mindoo Philip Park hosted the highly anticipated show of the season "Power Soca Monarch." As have been mentioned Frost was absent hence leaving the total of 19 competitors that evening. The show went by fast with MC Scady as well as Hall keeping the show flowing.
Orion opened the show with "Bring de Iron Back" which was well presented with dancers in carnival costumes and as a new comer he did make his mark on de Soca Scene. There were a few artists with all attempt gave their best but it was obvious the crowd had their favorites they were awaiting.

Superman came out with yet again his Superman suit and Teddyson John (in what I believe was Batman suit?) Whatever it was the performance was a pleasant and also it was interesting to see Teddyson John out of his element but instead the Power Soca Mode.

Ilah Man came in at number 11, his track "I want my Money Back" was one of the favorites of the evening. As soon as he came on stage the crowd went wild and at that point you could almost predict the results but there were a few more top gunners to grace the stage so that had to be held on. Ilah Man performance did not fall short!

Manitus performance was fair, however I was disappointed expected so much more and whatever the case it was missing that extra magic.



O boy the King himself came on and it was a Ricky T like I have not seen him! His performance was beautifully executed with pyrotechnics, traditional stilt-walking jumbies; he did not leave any stone unturned, Amy Winehouse made a guest performance towards the end of the performance (ok not really but her look-a-like). He allowed himself to catch on fire for at least 5 seconds which made his performance superior to all others that night. And if at that point you made a bet against him retaining the crown, you would be bawling because you lost all your money!!!!

Another favorite entering was Q-pid who depended heavily on her props which hindered the performance just a bit. Be warned it was not intentional, as the water men struggled with the water source which was supposed to sprinkle out to the crowd as she went “Relieve mi Pressure”. She attempted on many occasions to prolong her performance to allow the problem to be rectified but sadly it was not.

The hype surrounded the last competitor Alpha (3 time Soca Monarch winner and presently Groovy King) to reclaim the crown. His presentation was relatively similar to that at Groovy Monarch and persons were expecting a more electrifying performance to maybe just maybe touch the top three. However it is evident that did not happen!

Overall the show, personal did not live up to my expectations do not get me wrong the presentations were on point but behind the scenes organization did not live up ; however hope all suggestions and lessons are taken in order to make 2010 a stellar year!

The night results were exactly like that of 2008 and you can be rest assured all three will be representing St.Lucia at Caribbean Soca Monarch this weekend!

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the three winners that night

1. Ricky T – Like a Jumbie
2. Ilah Man – I Want my Money Back
3. Superman and Teddyson John (originally recorded with Mista Vybe) – Up Up and Away

And also Studio 758 which is responsible for the production of the top two winners as well as another Soca Monarch win on the V12 Riddim (the first being Skinny Fabulous “De Beast Lehgo”) and Saturday Night Ricky T “Like a Jumbie”
Not forgetting Courtney "Curty" Louis & Francis “Leebo “De Lima for the production of Up Up and Away which did not trail far behind at third place.

Much Respect to www.scruffytv.com for the amazing livestream coverage; this is making St.Lucia Soca and Carnival more Global!

Writter By : Rochelle K. Noel
Published : www.dancehallsoca.com