There's not much preparation in "Patchland" for the semi-final round of the International Groovy and Power Soca Monarch Competition on February 13. In a Carnival season that has spanned three months, Patch, real name Roger Joseph, already has made a mark, singing two of the biggest tunes in C2K11. From "Damn Phone" to"Head Nice", which he sings alongside Cassi and Yankee Boy, Patch says it's all about having a good time on stage.
Enjoyment a must
"I've been in the semi-final before. To me, it's all about the fans, giving them what they want. 'Pipe' was a big song last year and I didn't get into the finals of Soca Monarch, so I'm not going into the semis thinking about the finals," he said. In 2011, Patch has been picked for both the semi-final of the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch competitions. "I'm doing 'Head Nice' for the Groovy and 'Damn Phone' for the Power," he said, explaining that each event performance is preparation enough for the semis on February 13. This year, Patch has performed at many of the major Carnival events, from Fire Fete to Anchorage Cooler Fete, the Legacy Cooler Fete and many others.
The Tempo Network host has stood on stage alongside Cassi who has also made it into the semis of the Groovy Soca Monarch competition. "We've been well received at the Carnival events this year. It's going good," he said. For Patch, the International Soca Monarch Competition is certainly an experience worth anticipating. He, however, explained that with his constant appearances throughout the season, there's never enough time to concentrate on a stage show for the semis. "I've always had a team of ladies from the Malick Folk Performers who choreograph their dances to suit my music. They already call me and they're putting something together for the semis," he said.
A money thing
On the issue of big name artistes like Machel Montano, Destra Garcia and Kees re-entering the competition, Patch said: "Don't matter what excuse they give, is all about the money." Patch is convinced the money was too small for the big- name artistes prior to 2011 and he said with the announcement of the $2 million reward for the first place winner of both competitions, the prominent artistes have jumped back in. "The money is a great thing but watch what will happen if the money goes back down. All of them will stay out of the competition," he said. Patch said he thought such artistes, who had already acquired prominent status in the industry, should leave room for the smaller artistes coming up. "The smaller artistes will get left out this year," he said, adding that no matter what he would be having a good time on the stage at the semi-final.
Trotting through season
With an appearance booked for Guyana on February 23, he told the T&T Guardian thaet "Pipe" was the song that had continued to bring the gigs, both locally and internationally. "I'm already booked for shows in St Maarten after Carnival," he said, adding: "God is my manager - if they don't get him, then they can call me." With Tempo also in the mix this Carnival, Patch said he would be doing some filming for the Cross Caribbean Countdown and other shows during the Carnival season. "Tempo will be at Soca Monarch finals and I'll be working with the crew, even if I don't make it to the final round of competition on Fantastic Friday," he said. No matter the outcome on February 13, Patch remains high spirited and with a season filled with events he's everywhere he needs to be... and then some.
