Mr Killa born again

In addressing those gathered at the luncheon in his honour, Mapp spoke about the troubles and hardships he experienced on his journey to becoming the recognised and loved artiste that he is today. He told the audience of a low point in his life when in trying to make it at as artiste in New York he ended up being homeless on the streets of this big city, even turning to alcohol and “getting involved in the wrong things”.

According to Mapp, the words of songs he was listening to at the time are what helped him transform his life. “Music really kinda saved me and at that time I broke down in tears and I ketch myself and realised that now you are so talented. So why are you wasting your life?” said Mapp.

Having shared his story Mapp went on to sincerely thank the organisers and sponsors of the competition as well as the fans for the love and appreciation shown to him.

He also expressed a desire to one day be part of a collaboration with runner up Erphan Alves and to be given the opportunity to work with young people in schools to help motivate them.

Also speaking at Thursday’s luncheon was runner up in the competition, Erphan Alves who stated that the “fight” between him and Mr Killa in this competition was a friendly one rather than one filled with malice and bickering among the artistes.

Delivering the opening remarks at the event was Sponsorship and Events Manger at Carib Brewery, Colin Murray who described Mr Killa as the quintessential breakout artiste, with the talent to take soca music around the world.

He stated that this year’s soca season was a great one and that this new competition sponsored by Carib Brewery and other corporate entities, will serve as a launch pad for the International Soca Monarchs of tomorrow. Other sponsors for this new soca competition include, Ford and Slam 100.5fm.