Dynamic marketing needed for next year’s Soca Monarch

Aggressive international marketing and a bigger facility to showcase the talents of local and Caribbean artistes are two of the interventions which could enhance the quality of the Soca Monarch product for next year.  On Friday, renowned soca superstar Machel Montano tied with veteran Austin Lyons (SuperBlue) in the 2013 finals of the Play Whe International Power Monarch. 

Montano also secured the Digicel International Groovy Soca Monarch during the 21st edition of the Soca Monarch competition at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. Chairman of Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF) William Munro said: “We have the product. The Government must give us some more time in the Stadium to produce the show or take it to a larger venue. 

“If they are prepared to take the artform to the world, they would have to be serious. Soca Monarch product belongs to the people of T&T and it is ready to take the music to anywhere in the world.” Munro added: “They could rent ships. And there could be proper international marketing. If you look at the benefits in terms of merchandising the product. 

“I have not seen any show produced that had that amount of glamour and creativity. All promoters from all over the world came here to do their shopping and artistes are getting lucrative  contracts. “I am saying we have a right to hold onto the show and not let it fall. We cannot continue to depend on oil and gas. We have to look to sports and culture.”

Kudos to stakeholders 
Among the highlights of the show were grand performances in the Groovy category from artistes including  Benjai, Denise Belfon, Destra Garcia, Blaxx, Farmer Nappy, Ravi B, Patrice Roberts, Drupatee, Iwer George and Nadia Batson. They were joined by Power soca competitors including Shurwayne Winchester, Lil Bitts, Swappi, Devon Matthews, Fya Empress, Talpree and JW and Blaze. 

Memorable guest performances came from David Rudder, Lord Laro and past monarch Ronnie Mc Intosh. Munro thanked the public, artistes and musicians who had supported the event. Bands like Roy Cape All Stars and Vincent Rivers and the Soca Unit lent their talents in the final showdown. He thanked all the stakeholders who assisted in making it a successful production. The acts featured a complement of supporting actors, dancers and performers. 

Comedienne Nikki Crosby and entertainer Cyclops, complete with beach bucket and shovel, were on stage. “The public supported the show. The artistes stepped up their game with the music. I want to thank all the artistes and the audience. “All of them got a bligh. David Rudder, Lord Laro, Ronnie McIntosh and Roy Cape All Stars and Vincent Rivers. I want to thank the media and the government and the sponsors. They were always at the forefront of promoting. They spent so much in giveaways,” added Munro. 

He lauded the show for being “devoid of vulgarity.” On a personal note, Munro said “It was a lovely experience.  Pure joy. It lived up to Fantastic Friday. I am satisfied.  I am happy with the outcome.” Zeroing on the judges’ decision, Munro said “I am 100 per cent happy with the crop of artistes. But the judges’ decision is final.”

Among those present was Minister of Arts and Multi-culturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas and his spouse Diane Douglas. Education minister Tim Gopeesingh was present. They were joined in the VVIP section by an avalanche of prominent local personalities. Songstress Inga Schuller opened the show with her rendition of the National Anthem.