Wenroy Ogiste, popularly known by his stage alias “Blaka Dan,” has been crowned the first-ever Ultimate Soca Champion. He secured victory with a total score of 387 points and took the grand prize of TT 1 million dollars. His triumph in the brand-new competition cemented his position as a rising star in the soca music scene.
The competition, which had an overall budget of TT $8 million, received TT $4 million in funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts. Designed to celebrate and elevate soca music, the event introduced a fresh format that blended high-energy performances with a reality show-style production.
TOP CONTESTANTS CELEBRATE PRIZE WINS
Yung Bredda claimed second place, earning a TT $300,000 prize, while Preedy finished third and received TT $150,000. Contestants who placed fourth through eleventh were each awarded $50,000, ensuring multiple talented artists were recognised for their performances.
In addition to his second-place finish, Yung Bredda was also named the Bmobile People’s Champion, a special award determined by a text vote through the Bmobile network. This accolade came with a $10,000 cash prize, a new mobile phone, and one year of free mobile service, a fitting reward for his growing popularity among fans.
Unlike its predecessor, Soca Monarch, which centred around live-stage performances, the Ultimate Soca Champion embraced a reality show-inspired format. Featuring a series of pre-recorded episodes leading up to the grand finale, the competition gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the contestants’ journeys, making for a more engaging experience.
The event was made possible through the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, led by Minister Randall Mitchell, alongside the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and its CEO, Keiba Jacob Mottley. Sponsorship from corporate partners also played a key role in bringing the competition to life, highlighting the cultural and economic significance of soca music in Trinidad and Tobago.
In a statement on his Instagram page, Blaka Dan expressed his gratitude to all those who were part of his journey in crafting his winning single, Blessings. The statement read:
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Ultimate Soca Champion competition for selecting me as the 2025 Ultimate Soca Champion. I was truly honoured to compete against such a talented group of soca artists, and to be officially recognised is an incredible achievement for myself and the team.
First and foremost, I am thankful to God and grateful to my family. ‘Blessing’ could not have been possible without the musical skills of Damion “PappyBoi” La Pompe & Tus Thomas of Loyalty Family Production, who worked with me to produce, mix and master the track. My performances throughout the competition would not have been successful without the contributions of Curleen Stewart (Co Mastermind and Production Manager), Jesse “College Boy” Stewart and Brian London for all their support and advice, Giselle Gellineau (Booking Agent and Road Manager), Claire Purcell (Artiste Management and Booking Agent). Jeunes Agape Choir, Daww Creations, Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra, Curepe Invaders Performing Company, Junior Bisnath School of the Arts, Sports and Culture, Jab Nation, Youtopia Branding, Videography and Editor: Careem Gilbert (CG Creative Productions), Diamond (Hairstylist) Kareem Wylie (Yup Life) and Ro’dey (Influencer), Media Rep: Dominique Roy, Backup Singers: Dinessa Nelson and Dineka Nelson, Support Team: Jerren Samuel, Amara Toussaint, Omari, Forbzie, Dj Supa Aktive, Aniona Hamid of Lady Irie, Dj Watty and everyone else who lent a hand on the night to make this production possible.
I’d especially like to thank the Government of Grenada, Spicemas Corporation, The National Lotteries Authority, and Huggins for their financial support, which helped elevate the performative aspects of my presentations.
Last but not least, I’d like to thank the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for welcoming my debut on the Trinidad Carnival scene and my homeland, Grenada, and fans around the world for your unwavering support.
The journey this competition has created for me is just about to begin, and I am excited more than ever to embrace it and grow along the way”.
Blaka Dan, Yung Bredda, Preedy, and the other finalists will soon be contacted regarding the official prize-giving ceremony arrangements. With such a strong start, the competition has already made its mark, and fans will no doubt be eager to see what’s next for the winners as they continue to make waves in the soca scene.
With its fresh format, substantial prizes, and strong industry backing, the Ultimate Soca Champion has set a new benchmark for soca competitions. Its first season has been a resounding success, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in Trinidad and Tobago’s musical landscape.
