Iwer beats ’em

“Ah Home, Lemme Jump Up, Ah Home, Lemme Free Up,” were the magic lyrics which won Neil Iwer George first place in Friday night’s National Lottery International Soca Monarch Competition 2003.

Iwer, performing at number 15, belted out one of the most popular tunes for the Carnival season to a packed Queen’s Park Oval, while once again demonstrating that he has what it takes to be number one. Clad in a cream suit and t-shirt on which his face had been air-brushed, not to forget the trademark cap, Iwer whipped the crowd into a frenzy as he called for them to “jump up and free up.” George, who shared last year’s first place with this year’s second place winner Bunji Garlin, out performed Garlin to finally win the title by himself.

Following the announcement that he had copped first place, George said he felt “very special” as it was more than 15 years been in this business, but that he had now won the coveted title. Iwer was accompanied on stage by both tassa and steelpan. Appearing in position 17, Bunji Garlin sought to bring the crowd  “alive” and called on patrons to raise their right hand if they believed in God, a call which was obeyed by everyone present. True to form, Bunji urged the crowd to get into the Carnival spirit, while white balloons and pigeons were released. Also appearing on stage alongside Bunji was the trio,  Godfather Asylum. Following Bunji’s departure from the stage, the crowd began chanting and calling for more from the second place winner. An eager fan lit a flare during Bunji’s performance to signal his support, but was soon arrested and escorted out of the fete by the ever alert police officers. Barring this, Friday’s competition proceeded incident free.

Third place winner Destra Garcia, who shocked fans last year after removing her figure-hugging leather suit to reveal a bodysuit, displayed her assets from the start of her performance this year. She took to the stage sporting a gold Carnival costume, complete with a feathered head-piece and beads, while being accompanied by old mas performers.
The crowd received a pleasant surprise much to their enjoyment when Garcia was joined by Machel Montano, who had been masquerading as a midnight robber. A resounding roar emanated from the crowd as he threw off the hat, and began singing along with her. Many of this year’s performers were accompanied by dancers, as well as the relevant props to support their presentations. One of  the more ingenious props came from Derrick Seales, who was dressed as Count Dracula, complete with the white gloves and cape. Seales delivered his selection while his accompaniment performed their routine which entailed the use of three fake coffins.

The trio Godfather Asylum “constructed” a bar on stage to support their claim that they could be found “by de bar, smoking on their Cuban cigar,” and were joined by some of the Carib girls. While urging persons to continue “Jamming”, the artiste Blaxx decided to reach over the scaffolding to “touch” his fans. The youngest contestant taking part in this year’s Soca Monarch competition was Young Marcel, who was able to elicit a lukewarm response from the crowd, while Former National Junior School Soca Monarch title holder Patrice Roberts garnered some nods of approval from the audience with her song “Water For Cleansing”. Martiniquan Flo P G delivered her “Nasty” act, while demonstrating that she could also play the drums. Faye Ann Lyons, daughter of former Soca Monarch Super Blue, illustrated to the country that she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Clad in a pink outfit, she was joined by her father who made a cameo appearance. Most of the patrons were left disappointed with Rupee’s performance, while KMC was tipped as a crowd favourite.When KMC, clad in a white “Rag” outfit came on stage the crowd cheered and shouted their approval. He was able to get even the fans in the VIP section of the Oval to their feet.

The audience were energised when Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon asked them to demonstrate how to “put it on them.” Maximus Dan appeared attired in a “referee” outfit, while he encouraged fans to “Kick It Way.” He had former National players of the Strike Squad accompany him on stage during his performance. Many patrons leaving the show expressed their dissatisfaction with the results, as KMC had been tipped to win, and questioned whether Iwer deserved to win.