The Power Soca segment of Party Monarch will return to Barbados’ Crop Over 2026 after a six-year break, reviving one of the festival’s most popular categories.
Last staged in 2019, when Mikey Mercer claimed the title, the competition was later suspended. Its comeback was confirmed on Wednesday 3 June by Senator Shane Archer, who said it would return “with force” and offer a prize package comparable to Pic-O-De-Crop.
The announcement has already sparked strong interest. By 3 June, organisers reported 92 entries, reflecting widespread demand among performers.
The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) describes Party Monarch as one of Crop Over’s most commercially significant events, providing a major platform for soca artists to gain exposure.
A long-standing highlight of the festival, the event has helped launch and elevate numerous careers. The reinstatement of Power Soca is expected to boost excitement and competition in the 2026 season.
Crop Over 2026 runs from Friday 3 July to Tuesday 4 August.
