2007 Soca Monarch Media Launch

LEFT: Sanelle Dempster, Michelle Sylvester and George for 93.5fm

The Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts held a media launch for the 2007 International Soca Monarch, Groovy Soca Monarch & National Schools’ Soca Monarch competitions on Thursday 18th January, 2007, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Several speakers made their way on the podium to give the audience more information about the various competitions.

The first speaker was Mr. Gregory Fernandez who reminded the audience that it was the 15th edition of the International Soca Monarch Competition. According to Mr. Fernandez, the International Soca Monarch Competition is the largest show of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival and has been the vehicle to take many careers to new heights of success. He further elaborated that the National Schools’ Monarch Competition ensures the continuity of the Soca industry and pointed to examples such as Patrice Roberts and Young Marcel. One of the challenges, Mr. Fernandez explained, was moving away from Soca music being seen as a seasonal music to music that can be enjoyed the whole year through. He believes that one of the possible solutions lies with Groovy Soca which is comparable with that of the popular world music.

He lastly added that this year, four more places would be included in the Groovy Soca Monarch Competition which would make a total of ten places and also, extended coverage would be provided by MTV Network for the International Soca Monarch Competition.

Mr. Jack Alexis addressed the audience next and informed them about the prizes for the National School Monarch Competition: 1st prize – $40,000, 2nd prize – $20,000 and 3rd prize – $18,000 among other cash prizes. The first, second and third place cash prizes are to be split between students and their schools. Prize money for the International Soca Monarch remains the same.

Mr. Alexis also promised that the National Stadium would be transformed into a spectacular place on February 16th, by designer Pat Bishop.

Mr. Roland Gordon informed the gathering about the adjudication process. According to him, these competitions are held in three stages and involve quite a number of people. Last week a seminar was held and judges are now privy to what is expected.

Other speakers included Douglas Gordon, Rhonda Lee Yhapp and Patricia Elder who all briefly addressed the gathering.

In the audience were Calypso artistes such as Sanelle Dempster, Michelle Sylvester and Iwer George who listened attentively to the speakers. Many present will be trying to make history by taking the title of Soca Monarch 2007.

2007 Soca Monarch Launch in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=50467