Spicemas Soca Monarch: The Must-See Highlight of Grenada Carnival!
Spicemas 2024 may be over, but the echoes of the electrifying Soca Monarch competition are still reverberating through the streets of Grenada. This event, held on Carnival Friday, is a highlight of the island's vibrant carnival celebrations and a testament to the incredible talent that exists within the Grenadian music scene.
For those unfamiliar, the Soca Monarch competition sees Grenadian artistes battle it out in two categories: Groovy Soca Monarch and Power Soca Monarch. It's a competition that transcends parish lines, bringing together a diverse range of musical styles and showcasing the passion that fuels Grenada's music scene.
The road to the final stage is a long one, beginning with several nights in the preliminary rounds in Tanteen Netball Court, St. George's, where close to 200 artistes vie for a chance to compete in the semi-finals held at Progress Park, St. Andrews. This year, a total of 25 finalists (12 in Groovy Soca and 13 in Power Soca) fought for the coveted crowns.
A Night of Passion and Camaraderie
While the Soca Monarch competition has always been a popular event, it's recently become my personal favorite. What truly makes Soca Monarch special is the incredible energy and passion of the crowd. It's not just about the music; it's about the community coming together to celebrate the artistry of their fellow Grenadians. The air is thick with anticipation, laughter, and friendly banter as everyone debates who will take home the crown. The crowd is fully engaged, responding to every command from the stage.
This year, the Power Soca Monarch competition had its fair share of memorable moments. The heavy rain that poured down throughout the event was a challenging obstacle, but it couldn't dampen the spirits of the crowd or the dedication of the performers.
Memorable Moments from Power Soca Monarch 2024
One highlight was Super Flying Flint's daring jump from the stage into the crowd during his performance of "Flew." The cape-clad artist, running from the back of the stage, cleared the gap between the wet stage and the crowd, landing on a mattress held by his team as they navigated the rain-soaked audience. It was a thrilling spectacle, filled with anticipation and a touch of nervous prayer for his safety.
Boyzie, another notable performer, took to the stage through a trap door and even rode a blown-up boat into the crowd, adding another layer of entertainment to his performance. The crowd, ever responsive, eagerly lifted him towards the judges, although his journey back to the stage wasn't as smooth when he tumbled off the boat as he made his way back to the stage. The title "Chaotic" aptly described his performance and the reaction from the crowd - the performance was a whirlwind of energy, and the crowd was swept up in the chaos.
Dash, the eventual winner, whipped the crowd into a frenzy with his high-energy performance. He moved the entire stadium on his command during his performance of "The Tape". The scene was a testament to his musical prowess and the power of his music to connect with the audience.
It was also inspiring to see the torch passed from "Specky" (Inspector), a veteran soca artiste, to Shequan, the Kids Soca Monarch winner, who also performed as a finalist in the Power Soca Monarch. This transfer of musical legacy is a heartening reminder of the cyclical nature of talent and the continued evolution of Grenada's musical landscape.
Muddy, Lil Kerry, and Terra D Governor also delivered noteworthy performances.
And the Winners Are...
The Power Soca Monarch competition saw a thrilling upset, with Dash taking the crown. Terra D Governor, the reigning champion, came in fourth place. Muddy secured second with a powerful rendition of "The Moment," while Boyzie took third.
In the Groovy Soca Monarch competition, Boyzie emerged victorious with his performance of "Home Sweet Home." Dash claimed second place with "Celebrate," followed by Terra D Governor in third with "Clean Circle."
Despite the fierce competition, the event maintained a strong spirit of camaraderie. The crowd, even those whose favorites didn't win, showed remarkable respect and appreciation for all the performances.
The 2024 Spicemas Soca Monarch competition was a testament to the energy, talent, and community spirit that defines Grenada's carnival celebrations. It's an event that will continue to be a highlight on the island's cultural calendar, attracting visitors and locals alike with its infectious energy and vibrant performances. It's a night of passion, community, and unforgettable entertainment that leaves you wanting more.