International Soca Monarch will survive

CPF received no official word from Du Bois, last year’s Groovy Soca Monarch, about his decision not to defend the title this year, as published in a newspaper report.

“We were not informed about his decision...but we survived Super Blue, Fay-Ann, Shadow, Iwer who is now back, and we will survive Kerwin and Machel if he also decides not to defend.”

Scoon said CPF only learnt of Du Bois’ exit from the press. When questioned about the participation of Montano, who has won the Power Soca Monarch competition from 2011 to 2014, he said, “I can’t say whether he is defending, he would have to answer that”.

Pressed on when Montano was required to notify CPF of his participation this year, Scoon added “maybe by the semi-final.”

When the new rules for the competition were released earlier this week, no contingency plans were in place should reigning monarchs opt out of defending their titles. Scoon acknowledged the lapse saying on Friday that no rules currently govern when a monarch is required to notify CPF as to whether he/she is participating in the competition.

“I don’t expect them to notify us on the night of the finals because that would be unethical, but this is not something we have looked at.”

Following Du Bois’ exit, Scoon has indicated that CPF will now examine what would be a suitable time-frame for a monarch to inform the foundation about non-participation. “This is not yet official, but I’m thinking that the semi-finals would be an appropriate time,” he said, adding that a notification after this period would be problematic.

As a result of the Du Bois decision, CPF will now have to include an additional artiste in the finals of the competition on February 13 to make up the numbers. This, Scoon said, opens the door for another name in the industry to make the finals.

Scoon asserted that the competition is strong this year whether the monarchs defend their titles. “We wish Kerwin well and look forward to his continued contributions to develop the soca industry...this year we are getting good traction and people are hyped about the performances.”

The competition is evolving and changes are being made, he noted, pointing out that they are no longer forcing monarchs to defend their titles. The primary focus of CPF is on building the industry and developing young talent, he said.

Last Friday, Du Bois spoke to 96.1FM saying that competition doesn’t bring him joy. “Last year although I didn’t want to compete I did it nonetheless for my fans,”. he said. Du Bois also disclosed that he wants to give soca artistes a chance to “let their music touch the world and be recognised as well.” He said, “Competition tends to divide us and only ends up harming the music, the art and the culture.”

Sunday Newsday was unable to make contact with Montano or his manager, and when contacted his mother Elizabeth, his former manager, said, “I cannot say whether he is defending the title. I have no information on that.”