Hunt begins for new Soca Star

Friday November 11 was quite an eventful and memorable date for our nation’s young talents. Synergy TV had “mas” anticipation going on as masses assembled at the corner of Edward and Gordon Streets, Port-of-Spain, anxiously awaiting an opportunity to be auditioned to become Trinidad and Tobago’s next soca star. Despite the inclement weather conditions, these contestants awaited; some wet, some equipped with umbrellas, some covering for shelter as best they could and did not let up as their lifelong dream to become a Soca Star was about to unfold before their eyes.

The auditions began promptly at 10 am on Sunday November 13. They came from all areas of Trinidad and Tobago and even from as far as Barbados. Participants of varied backgrounds, amateurs and semi-professionals alike came out in their numbers to showcase their talents. At the end of the day, a total of 132 contestants registered but only 87 got an opportunity to perform for the panel of judges which comprised legends and icons within this industry — Carl “Beaver” Henderson, Carol Jacob, Machel Montano, and Paul Richards. Categories credited were as follows: melody, pitch, appearance, dress, stage presentation, star power, originality, creativity, communication skills, all of which are very important attributes of a soca star.

Judges have already narrowed down a listing of 46 contestants, and will be meeting early next year in a closed door session to review performances and compile a final listing of 20 hopefuls. Already on board as sponsors are  TSTT, Coca-Cola and Seven Seas Multibionta as title sponsor. Viewers as well as the participants get a chance to experience and see what it takes to bring raw music to the stage and to be a soca star in Trinidad and Tobago on Channel 28 Synergy TV starting Thursday December 1 2005, at 8 pm and continuing every Thursday thereafter. Other media partners — Trini Bashment 91.9FM, Newsday and triniscene.com give viewers the additional option to tune in, read or log on to keep abreast of the upcoming events, and transformations of the making of a soca star.