Heat on for Soca Monarch crown

Twenty-two artistes will grace the stage at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of- Spain on Fantastic Friday, February 24, including reigning Soca Monarch, Aaron “Voice” St Louis who will attempt to defend his throne from veterans and new comers alike.

The finalists are Asten Isaac, Blaxx, Devon Matthews, Farmer Nappy, GBM Nutron, Iwer George, Kernal Roberts, Linkyfirst, Lyrikal, Marvay, Nailah, Orlando Octave, Patrice Roberts, Peter Ram, Ravi B, Ricardo Drue, Sekon Sta, Shal Marshall, Teddyson John, Terri Lyons and Tizzy.

Expressing his delight at being chosen, first time finalist GBM Nutron told Newsday on Saturday, “You have no idea how humbled and excited I am to be a part of the Soca Monarch experience.

I am especially humbled to have been chosen singing a song as different and authentic as “Calypso” because the song itself means a lot me. I am excited to perform for the Soca Monarch crowd because that’s the crowd that will come out on Fantastic Friday to listen to the music and to really take in the show.” Orlando Octave too is seeing the finals for the first time, although he performed in the semis twice before.

He said it was a joy to be selected to be part of one of the biggest Carnival stages in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Right now I’m in the preparation stages of my performance and I am going to bring my A-game and try to please the fans,” he said.

Chutney Soca star Ravi B is also on the list, performing in the Soca Monarch finals for the second time, the first being in 2013 when he placed forth with the song Prescription.

He said he felt overwhelmed and excited to be part of the competition, but especially proud to be the only Chutney Soca representative in the finals.

“The competition is stiff every year but I really want to bring it because I really believe I could come in the first three this year,” he said.