DAVID MICHAEL RUDDER
A son of Belmont, David Michael Rudder is one of the most charismatic calypsonians to emerge on the local and international scene for the past four decades. Unpredictable, multi-dimensional and loved by the ladies, from New York to London, from London to Tokyo, from Jamaica to Bahia, Brazil, Rudder has been described as modern calypso's most innovative songwriter.
Since the early days of performing covers at the now defunct Rolls Royce International Disco in Port-of- Spain, Rudder has proven his versatility, testing the waters as frontline vocalist for Charlie's Roots. In 1986, he created history in the calypso arena by first winning the Young Kings Calypso Monarch title, winning the National Calypso Monarch title singing Bahia Girl and The Hammer, and, winning the Road March title with Bahia Girl. Bahia Girl was also the selection of champion 1986 National Panorama champion Trinidad All Stars.
Through the years, his hits have been many, among them being Madness, Song For a Lonely Soul, Bacchanal Woman, Dus' in Dey Face, Engine Room, Nuff Respect, High Mas, The Hammer and Bahia Girl. Rudder's repertoire also includes the 'anthem' of the West Indies cricket team, Rally 'Round the West Indies.
Rudder has toured extensively, his shows always sold out events. This year, he has collaborated with Kees Dieffenthaller. Over the years he has brought his magic to the International Soca Monarch event and, in 2013 the People's Monarch, King David Rudder celebrates the 21st birthday of the People's Event on Carnival Friday, at the National Stadium.
RONNIE MC INTOSH
One can say that Ronnie Mc Intosh was born to sing calypso. The son of legendary musician Art de Coteau, it's no surprise that Mc Intosh is one calypso's most enduring artistes. Originally a young percussionist, Ronnie "The Knife" McIntosh shook the Soca world in 1993 with the missive hit Donkey Dance, a song which caused much frenzy in every fete it was performed in that Carnival season.
Then, in 1995, the first year the final was held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in stead of the Spectrum on the Foreshore, the infectious On the Road, a song purportedly penned by two-time winner SuperBlue, won Mc Intosh his first Soca Monarch title. That year, SuperBlue, singing Signal for Lara, placed second.
The friendly rivalry between Mc Intosh and SuperBlue only got hotter in ensuing years. Having placed fourth in the 1996 final, singing Flying Time, Mc Intosh unleashed a fiery attack for the title in 1997 with Ent to once again claim the coveted Soca Monarch title. However, he would not reign alone; Blue answered with Barbara and the title was shared. Mc Intosh retired from the competition on a high, on a winning note.
Subsequently enjoying a successful career as a vocalist for a number of top bands, Mc Intosh continues to tour, mentor young artistes and is now a winning Carnival bandleader with his wife Caroline. To date, many view that fateful night as one of the most keenly contested Soca Monarch competitions in 21 years of contests.