The cancellation of the International Soca Monarch competition has left former winners and past competitors rattled and disappointed.
For the first time in three decades, the competition, which is typically held on what has been dubbed “Fantastic Friday,” will not be part of the 2023 Carnival calendar.
Speaking with Guardian Media on Thursday, ISM director Geoffrey Wharton-Lake said a lack of finances was the reason behind the decision.
Wharton-Lake also expressed disappointment that the Government was unable to give the event the money it had asked for. He refused to give the amount but Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell subsequently told Guardian Media the ISM management asked for $10 million and turned down Government’s offer of $3 million.
Yesterday, former ISM chair Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez said it was a sad day for the art form.
“It is really sad and we would hope this would be rectified in the future, given what ISM means for artistes now and artistes of the future, this move could be closing off a platform for the future Bunjis, Superblues and Machel Montanos,” Lyons-Alvarez said.
“The competition has contributed to and produced the best of the best in the country.”
Back in 2020, Lyons-Alvarez stepped down from her position over what she said were the untimely green lights given to plan and proceed with the event. In a social media posting then, she stated, “I believe in giving the public a Soca Monarch they deserve and with limited time, it becomes harder to accomplish.”
Iwer George, the 2020 Power Soca winner, meanwhile said the show has to go on.
“I just feel like it’s another one bites the dust. In my life in this entertainment business, there is a lot of good events that play an integral part in Carnival that is no more. Kitchener tent is no more, Sparrow tent is no more, Insomnia no more, Glo is no more, Any Hours is no more, and we still get back from that. It’s going to be something else just now.”
Asked whether or not the absence of the Soca Monarch platform this year will impact opportunities for young and upcoming artistes, George, said, “Every show is platform for young artistes in my view, especially in the presence of social media, because back then, ISM was the only show that a man used to get to sing in front a camera but so far, every show that went for Carnival, the world was able to see it so I don’t see it affecting young people in any way. I can’t say it is necessarily a blow to the art form, as there are plenty shows now with international recognition.”
In 2021’s virtual competition, Darryl “Farmer Nappy” Henry copped the Groovy Soca Monarch title with his song Backyard Jam.
Contacted yesterday, he opted not to comment on this year’s cancellation.
Bajan soca artiste Alison Hinds said while the plug was pulled on this year’s edition of the International Soca Monarch, it now presents an opportunity for organisers to go back to the drawing board and inject new ideas and concepts to make the event as attractive as it previously was.
Hinds said, “Yes, it is sad that there is no show this year. However, like I said, the crowds had been becoming less and less over the years so I think they can work on the event and take the time to make the next show an improved version.”
Marvin “Swappi” Davis, the 2019 Groovy Soca Monarch winner, described the ISM as being a blessing to the art form from its inception and acknowledged it as being critical to upcoming artistes and paving the way for career growth.
He, however, dismissed suggestions in some quarters that the show’s cancellation was as a result of Machel Montano’s marquee event being carded for the same night.
“I believe that we have one point something million people here and it have people who will go to his show and he will have his crowd and all respect to him, but Soca Monarch will always be Soca Monarch and if you’re a true soca fan and soca lover, you will be at Soca Monarch or even at Machel’s show,” he said.
“This is a country with a different mix of people and cultures and Soca Monarch is a cultural show, so I believe people will come to the show regardless of what is happening on that night.”
Also sharing a similar point of view was two-time Power Soca Monarch winner Ronnie McIntosh, who said news of the ISM’s cancellation came as no surprise to him.
“When I heard nothing in December and nothing early January and middle January, I knew it was off, so it’s difficult to say now Soca Monarch is cancelled three weeks before Carnival. I know it wasn’t coming off and that’s sad too and that has nothing to do with Machel Montano doing his show on the Friday, Soca Monarch is a dying brand for the last five years, so people have to face that reality that Soca Monarch has been dying.”
Calypsonian Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung meanwhile took to his Facebook page to express his disappointment over the show’s cancellation.
“The Mother of all Carnivals in Trinidad and Tobago say a big no Soca Monarch, big disappointment for we,” he said.
Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association president, artiste and two-time Soca Monarch finalist Jerome “Rome” Precilla felt the move could close doors for those seeking to establish themselves in the soca industry.
“As an artiste, it sad as a member of Trinidad and Tobago’s public who loves Carnival. It is very sad because Soca Monarch is ours, is we thing. It’s something that gives young and upcoming artistes a platform to showcase their talent,” he said in a video posted to social media.
“Soca Monarch has been viewed by people around the world in the tens of thousands, the hundreds of thousands, the person who wins Soca Monarch is known as the champion of soca around the world. That person is allowed to travel the world, get gigs, even the person who don’t win get so many opportunities and opens so many doors, so it’s a great platform for the artistes to show their talent. So, it’s a sad day to see we not going to have Soca Monarch.”