Munro pulls out the stops

Legions of soca connoisseurs are preparing to show their solidarity with 2011 reigning Power Soca monarch Machel Montano and Groovy Soca champion Kees Dieffenthaller, at Fantastic Friday for The International Soca Monarch 2012 finals, Hasely Crawford Stadium, on Friday. The countdown is on for soca supremacy at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. Creme-de-la-creme artistes are competing for coveted titles, such as Digicel International Power Soca Monarch and Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch. The NLCB Tribute to the Classics will showcase veterans like Lord Nelson and former champion SuperBlue. The momentum is building for Bacchanalist, especially chief architect Kerwin Du Bois. Scores of Swappi supporters are walking with their buckets come Friday.

International and Caribbean visitors would have converged on the mecca of steelpan and calypso. Apart from a dip in Maracas Bay or a trek to Asa Wright Nature Centre, Blanchisseuse, they are in town for the calendar event. It is staged by Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF). Guardian Media Ltd is the official media sponsor. C2k12 is the 20th edition. Generally, all systems are coming together. But chairman of Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF) William Munro admitted there were some problems and a bit of tweaking was needed to provide a top-notch quality product.

In previous interviews, Munro had deemed Soca Monarch the People’s Product. Rough production costs had placed it between $20 to $24 million. Interviewed on Tuesday at the T&T Guardian  boardroom, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, Munro identified the VIP section, toilets, tents and security, as some of the areas he had focused on to provide a truly enjoyable evening. He was accompanied by his special adviser Gregory Fernandez and co-ordinator Kareena Sukhu.

Constructive criticisms worked
Reflecting on 2011, Munro said he had listened to constructive criticism and made the necessary adjustments. In fact, the VIP section made way for the VVIP section. “Last year I was not satisfied with  the VIP section. I found they did not get a proper deal. I found there was the need to improve the evening much more. We made a lot of adjustments, so when they leave the stadium it would not only be Fantastic Friday...when they leave the stadium, they would be able to tell their children’s children it was the most fantastic night they ever had,” Munro said: Munro added: “We eliminated the VIP section to accommodate guests in a more comfortable manner. They complained the bar was small. We are extending the bar three times the size. People would have easy access to the food and drinks. People had complained it was difficult to get to the food and drinks.”

Waxing warm about the exotic blends and premium drinks, Munro identified Johnny Walker as having a place of honour on the shelves. “You know me, I love the Johnny Walker Black and the Chivas Regal and all the other drinks. We will be having lots of top drinks.” Coupled with drinks, Munro rattled off local delicacies like bake and shark, doubles and corn soup to whet the appetite. Those victuals would be accompanied by a sumptuous dinner.

Fix tents, cleaner toilets
Patrons had complained about being blocked by the tents. Erection of the tents in the best possible angle and vantage point was taken into consideration, to ensure specially invited guests would be able to view the spectacle effortlessly. Munro said: “I was not satisfied with the tents. I had to ensure there were quality standards.” Filthy toilets and limited bathroom tissue have been eliminated.

An efficient cleaning crew will provide janitorial services throughout the night. Munro said: “A lot of people complained about the toilets. We went all out to get more cleaners...a specialist team to ensure the toilets are up to standard. We want the washrooms to be spick-and-span  around the clock.”

Celebrating 20 years
Patting himself on the back, Munro admitted 20 years was a milestone. He paid kudos to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Minister of Arts and Multicultaralism Winston Peters, artistes, public and all stakeholders who had supported him. Munro had a “magnificent obsession” to create the Soca Monarch and the Junior segment. It was intended to give uptempo soca music much deserved recognition among the  pantheon of indigenous genres including calypso, chutney and soca parang. Pulling out the stops, Munro said he wanted to incorporate all facets of indigenous cultural expressions for the grand finale.

The cultural extravaganza starts from 5 pm when gates open. Munro said: “We are asking patrons to come in early. We have a food court outside. Take a little chip with the steelband. Dance to a little tassa. Take a jump with the iron section. We want to set the mood for partying.” Dwarfing the mammoth crowd will be moko jumbies and fancy sailors in full regalia. Garbed in colourful clothing, these custodians of traditional Carnival will enhance the Carnivalesque experience with their movements. Meretriciously-attired in red, yellow and blue, fancy sailors might have to duck the crack of whips from the fearsome jab jabs. Hot competitor Iwer George will be throwing in a jab jab song. Munro said: “It would be a splendid sight to see fancy sailors dancing and moko jumbies in the mix. Oh what a night!”
 

‘A tight, impactful show’
Assuring soca lovers every effort would be made to move the show along seamlessly, Munro said the production would be “tight and impactful.” He said: “We don’t want to prolong the show. Between the guests and the artistes we would have about 36. “We want people to feel the power and the energy. We don’t want any long gaps. We want to keep it moving.

“It is the last Friday before Carnival Monday and Tuesday. You can expect something special coming immediately after the Groovy. I know when it comes to Power Soca is pressure. Is fire. Is rhythm. Is pace. As Calypso Rose said: “Is Tempo...Gimme more Tempo.” On a serious note, Munro assured patrons they would be partying in safety since the security issues were addressed. He said: “We have systems in place for crowd control. We will ensure the safety protocol is observed. We will be spending a lot on private security. Besides the police, we had an additional 500 security personnel. We have security hired to control the crowd.”

Veterans in the mix
Another segment guaranteed to take some patrons down memory lane and whip up new excitement is the NLCB Classics which will feature veterans. These gentlemen of the art form have held court in Caribbean, North America and European countries. Among them are Winston Henry (Explainer) singing Lorraine. For the uninitiated, it is an ode to his beloved in Brooklyn, New York. Henry’s about to board the flight and his girl is  grieving because he “can’t miss the jamming.” Toco resident Timothy Watkins, fondly known as the Baron, will belt out Sweet Soca Man. Coincidentally, Watkins, renowned for the Spanish Woman, celebrated 40 years in the business.

Leroy Calliste, who responds to the sobriquet Stalin, will render the Black Man Feeling To Party. It echoes the sentiments of all those gathered there. Lord Nelson will be embracing the audience as Meh Lover. He doesn’t need to coax the audience to have a good, good time. They are willing to go with the flow. Allrounder will be serving up dollops of Garlic Sauce. Guaranteed to send the audience into a frenzy is the appearance of Point Fortin’s Austin Lyons (Superblue) of Ethel Fame. He has the distinction of being the first Soca Monarch champion in 1993 with Bacchanal Time. In 1994, once more he made it to winner’s row with Flag Party.