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Marcel Bennet Wins Schools Soca Monarch
Marcel Bennet, The National Schools Soca Monarch 2007 Winner
TriniSoca.com Reporters
Event Date: February 09, 2007
Posted: February 10, 2007
The final round of the Flavourite Supreme Ice Cream National Schools Soca Monarch 2007 was held on 09th February, 2007, at the Jean Pierre Complex.
Although there were strong contenders in this year's competition, two-time Junior Soca Monarch sixteen year old Holy Cross College student Marcell Bennet performing his hit, 'On & On D Big Truck Passing', was successful in defending his crown today making him a three-time Junior Soca Monarch. Young Marcel who won the title in 2002 and 2006 will share the stage with Machel Montano, KMC, Allison Hinds of Barbados, Mr. King, and Marlon Asher at the International Soca Monarch Finals on Friday 16th February, 2007, at the Hasley Crawford Stadium as one of the guest artists.
Considered to be one of the biggest events for children and young adults, the show was well-attended by students from various schools ranging from age six to teenagers thirteen years and older. Most students were escorted by their teachers and parents.
The show which was scheduled to start at 11pm, started after 12pm. MC Zakiya McEachnie sang the National Anthem and MC Selma Ellie welcomed all to the event. Following Selma's welcome, Mr. La Caille, Marketing Manager of Flavourite Supreme Ice Cream, the event's title sponsor, spoke briefly about the programme and its uniqueness. He also thanked everyone present who were involved in the show.
Mr. Jack Alexis, a representative of the Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts (CPF) also thanked the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, the sponsors, students, teachers and all for attending the show.
The panel of judges consisted of Ms. Josephine Torrel-Taylor, Ms. Judy Noel, Mr. Steve Sealy, Ms. Valma Joseph, Mr. Mario Russell and Mr. Roland Gordon, Chief Judge. Ms. Jenny Ackril was the tabulator and Ms. Mandisa Gordon, computer services.
Twenty-five finalists competed for the crown with a first prize of forty thousand dollars. Half of the first prize will be contributed to the school of the winner. A total of $130,000 made up the money prizes from positions one to twenty. The prizes were as follows:
Position / Prize
1st / $40,000
2nd / $25,000
3rd / $18,000
4th / $8,000
5th / $6,000
6th / $3,000
7th - 10th / $2,500
11th - 20th / $2,000
The Northwest Laventille Cultural Movement opened the show with a dance followed by a short segment called "Talkative" presented by students of the Water Prep Primary School and the Egypt Village Government School.
The competition started with Leon Joseph Brewster of Fyzabad Anglican with his performance of "To The Right". The competitors were accompanied by the sweet music of Vincent Rivers and the Soca Unit who played exceptionally well.
Even though the presentations were not as grand as last year's, the artistes were still quite good in their performances. The students from the various schools were encouraged to gather close to the stage to lend support to the students who participated in the competition.
The competition ended at about 4:15pm but the show continued for a short while with a few guest performances by International Soca Monarch finalists Mr. Chucky, Nnika Francis of Grenada, and upcoming Soca duo, Fearless, which the young audience enjoyed. Many were quite in favour of Marcel Bennet as the new Junior Soca Monarch.
The top four winners are as follows:
Position / Artiste / Points
1st / Marcel Bennet / 257
2nd / Erphaan Alves / 256
3rd / Gerelle Forbes / 251
4th / Shalleika Hazell / 250
National Schools Soca Monarch 2007 in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=57233
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