We can no longer call it Fantastic Friday, but the show that is well anticipated each year on Carnival Friday by soca lovers around the world, will be known as the Super Red 20, come February next year.This was communicated by Gregory Fernandez, adviser to executive chairman of Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF), William Munro, at Monday night's launch of the Digicel International Soca Monarch, Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch and Flavorite Supreme Ice-cream National School Competitions, 2012, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.
With new title sponsor–Digicel- and new attractions added to the show's lineup, including the Play Whe Tribute to the Classics which will feature former heavyweights of the past-Explainer, Baron, Lord Nelson and Black Stalin, Fernandez said patrons should expect nothing else but a bigger and better show for 2012.Giving a brief history on Soca Monarch's growth over the years, Fernandez spoke of the struggles and "fight down" Munro received when he introduced the event back in 1993. He thanked all who stood with them in their fight to get soca Monarch to where it is today-the biggest and most anticipated event on the Carnival calendar.
"We thank calypsonians like All Rounder, Black Stalin and Gypsy, to name a few, and we cannot forget people like Brenda De La Rosa of Angostura Limited...our only sponsor at that time and Ellis Chow Lin On, now deceased, who kept lifting our spirits with words of encouragement. We are eternally grateful," he reminisced.Fernandez also called on the Government and Carnival stakeholders to support artistes and local culture 100 per cent, not only at Carnival time, but year-round. He pleaded for a 50 per cent share radio time for local artistes saying we had enough talent in T&T which included producers and songwriters well able to fill a space.
Fernandez also questioned why other islands such as Barbados could produce stars like Rihanna and others while T&T, critically acclaimed for its talent, was still struggling to stamp its name on the international market."Artistes in T&T don't have the support they need," he insisted."We are calling for an artiste development fund of $5 million annually to be used for the development of our local artistes of all musical genres.
"With this fund ten artistes would be selected each year and $500,000 will be invested in developing their talent and careers over the period of three years," he suggested.His sentiments were echoed by Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters, who subsequently delivered a feature address. Peters stated that while he supported Fernandez' plight, he believes that artistes must also invest in the creation of this fund and let the Government match it.
"I can say that the performer who can act as his own accountant, marketer and public relations specialist always has an edge over the individual who cannot do so," he added.Peters also praised Munro for his foresight and belief in Soca Monarch, citing the competition has placed T&T on a world map. He said he had always supported the vision and pledged that his Ministry would continue to support the efforts of CPF through existing initiatives such as the National Registry of Artistes and Cultural Workers and other future initiatives.
This promise was also forthcoming from Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh-one of the specially invited guests at the launch. Others in attendance included, prominent businessmen, calypsonians, soca artiste Patrice Roberts who performed Energy in d City, mas bandleaders and reigning Soca Monarch king Machel Montano, who also paid tribute to Munro for creating such an event, and sent a warning to all artistes entering the 2012 competition to be prepared because they had to deal with him as the defending champion. Greetings was also brought by Kees Dieffenthaller's manager Simon Baptiste, on his behalf.
A family affair
Celebrating two decades in February, the Soca Monarch Competition has attracted a "family" of sponsors who prove themselves worthy of association each year by offering more and improving on past "slip-ups."This year its new title sponsor Digicel joined the team, and according to CEO Niall Dorrain, even though Digicel is trodding on new territory with this type of sponsorship, he assured its involvement in Soca Monarch 2012 is a public statement of its unwavering support for local culture.
Dorrain revealed that supporters of the event would have more access to voting, enabling non-Digicel customers to still get the opportunity to vote for Super Red 20. Guardian Media Limited (GML), official media sponsor for Super Red 20, has gotten the chance a second time to partner with CPF in this prestigious event. GML came on board last year leaving quite an impression on the CPF board. Bringing greetings at the launch, marketing manager George Elias boasted of GML being the longest serving media house in T&T. He said GML will prove a supreme coverage for Super Red 20, reaching over 194 countries.
The group will ensure pre- and post-coverage of the event on its six radio stations, television station CNC3, T&T Guardian newspaper and the newspaper magazine Metro.
Other sponsors include Play Whe, NLCB, Hyatt, TDC, GML, Carib, new comer Fire Power Fire Works, Toyota, KFC, Blue Waters, Flavorite Supreme Ice-cream, Monster Energy Drink, White Oak, Proud Foot Communications, Johnny Q Sounds and the Ministry of Arts and Multi-Culturalism, all pledging to remain committed to the complete development of Soca Monarch.
New developmentsfor Soca Monarch 2012
The 20th anniversary of Soca Monarch will also be celebrated with a few changes. The event will now begin at 9 pm instead of 9.30pm. The Hasely Crawford Stadium will be opened to the public from 5 pm to alleviate traffic congestion when getting into the venue. Early-bird patrons will be able to enjoy the Carnival atmosphere created on the external parameter of the venue.
According to Munro, there will be dozens of Carnival characters including moko jumbies, fancy sailors, jab jabs, steelpan, pan round the neck, tassa and rhythm sections to create an energetic and exciting ambience. Large screens will also be erected for soca enthusiasts to view the onstage activities.
Only two categories of tickets will be sold for the competition-general and VVIP. The celebrity panel this year comprises both local and international stars. From T&T O'Brian Haynes, Wendy Fitzwilliam and Dr Rupert Griffith of the Ministry of Tourism, with the international cast including BET 106&Park's Terrance Jenkins and House of Payne's Lance Gross.
Tickets for the Digicel International Soca Monarch Competition 2012 go on sale as early as December 12.