Who is going to be the 2016 International Soca Monarch?
Will Olatunji Yearwood retain his title or can he be upstaged by a young challenger?
This is a year of change for the ISM, with the organisers reverting to the single category for all competitors, making it a tough task for the judges. The T&T Guardian spoke with a few experienced entertainment watchers for their views on the competition and the possible outcome, they all feel that this is one of the closest contests in years.
Kamau Harriot, better known as Vibe CT 105 DJ Kaotic International is thrilled by the number of young performers in the final.
"It is a very level playing field. You can't pick a winner outright. I'm excited because there are also a lot of young people there and they will come with fresh ideas," he said.He is backing the reigning champion Olatunji Yearwood or the young songwriter turned singer, Voice.
"It's very tough but if I had to bet money it would be on Ola retaining or Voice taking it," he said. But I have a dark horse, and it's Hypa Sounds from Barbados.
"Patrice Roberts, the lone female competitor, also stands a great chance, and she has the ladies' vote," Harriot said. "Her sister soca artistes are also supporting her all the way."
This year, the ISM has made a change and it will not be broadcast live on television. Harriot believes that despite the talk of recession, the absence of the broadcast will encourage more people to turn up at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
"I hear a lot of people saying that they will go and see it live. They want the live experience. It's about taking your crew and supporting your artiste. People will also be glad to see Machel do a great performance for a decent price."
Loop TT content manager Laura Dowrich-Phillips covers the entertainment circuit throughout the year. She has gone to several regional Carnivals and has a unique view of the competition.
"A regional artiste can win the International Soca Monarch again. I'm looking at Ricardo Drue and Teddyson John. They are winners in their countries and great performers. Ricardo had a brilliant performance last year, and he's improved over the last year while Teddyson is massive in St Lucia, and can command the stage."She doesn't think it's beyond defending champion Olatunji Yearwood to retain his title.
"If Ola has a good night, he can keep the title. He definitely has it in him."
She also feels a younger soca artiste can win, "If Voice comes with a good presentation, he can also do well," she said. "In fact, this is the first time in a long time that everyone in the final is great.
"It will be a great show and it's an exciting line-up and very open. But I still say we can't discount the regional artistes."
T&T Guardian Features Editor, Franka Philip is an avid soca lover and has been taking a close look at the contestants over the course of the season. She also feels this is one of the most open years for the competition.
"There is no clear favourite, because the competitors have pretty good songs and they're all able to pull off great performances.
"I've been seeing them at fetes and watching how they've developed in recent weeks. I am particularly impressed with Farmer Nappy and Ricardo Drue, they are both dynamic and exciting performers. Teddyson John's vocals are great, he sounds like he does on the original track."
She is also impressed with the group of young performers who have emerged in recent years.
"Artistes like Preedy and Voice have been behind the scenes in the industry but now they've taken the bold step of performing, which augers well for the industry.
"My pores raised when I saw the forward that Voice got a both Machel Monday and Kes the Band's concert, he's great! But while I love his song, I am wondering if as a first time competitor he will be able to deal with competition pressure. I mean, doing it in a party is one thing but in front of that hyped up crowd with only a few minutes to give the performance of your life is something else."
On the flip side, however, she points to former Soca Monarch Shurwayne Winchester, and former Chutney Soca Monarch who can use their experience to great advantage. "Rikki's song is a creeper and Shurwayne has a complete understanding of how that competition works. I won't sleep on them at all," she said.
She is also looking forward to seeing whether Third Bass, Shal Marshall, M1 aka Menace, Hypasounds, Lyrikal and 5 Star Akil can translate their hits into performances tonight.
In the end though, she feels that Olatunji won't simply let his title go. "Ola is a man who understands performance. He blew everyone away last year and I rather suspect he's not leaving anything to chance this time. He could very well keep his crown."
INFO
The International Soca Monarch takes place tonight at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 8pm.For ticket information, visit the Facebook page: SocaMonarch.The show will not be broadcast live on television, nor is it available via pay per view. It will be shown on Saturday on CNC3 from 5pm.
Order of performance
1. Cloud 5
2. Sherwin Jeremiah (M1 aka Menace)
3. Peter Wiggins (Peter Ram)
4. Damian Etienne (Hypasounds)
5.Devon Martin (Lyrical)
6. Nesta Boxill (Sekon Sta)
7. Akeem Chance (Preedy)
8. Shurwayne Winchester
9. Patrice Roberts
10. Ronny Boyce (Pternsky)
11. Darryl Henry (Farmer Nappy)
12. Akil Borneo (5 Star Akil)
13. Teddyson John
14. Stephenson Marshall (Shal Marshall)
15. Ricardo Barriteau (Ricardo Drue)
16. Adrian Hackshaw (Third Bass)
17. Samraj Jaimungal (Rikki Jai)
18. Dexter Stewart (Blaxx)
19. Aaron St Louis (Voice)
20. Olatunji Yearwood (defending champion)