The ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ is coming ever closer, and with it the 2019 Play Whe Soca Monarch finals on March 1. Mr Killa, aka Hollis Mapp from Grenada, is currently the favourite to win the Fantastic Friday competition, scheduled to take place at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.
Mr Killa, who has a compelling hit song with Run With It, emerged as a definite favourite on semi-final night at the Arima Velodrome, but to win he must beat Iwer George in the final; Iwer sang Blessings and was one of the favourites with the crowd.
The Grenadian artist said, “Soca music is causing a unity in the region. Trinidad started the International Soca Monarch, which means that artistes and fans and managers and people from all over the world will have to come here in order to be a part of it. If I was a Trinidadian, I would be extremely proud to say that and to see that so many of my brothers and sisters from up the islands are coming here and entering and being a part of this.”
The 2019 semi-final was excellent, especially the Groovy category where Swappi had the crowd calling for more with Party Start. Blaxx is the dangerman singing Gyal Owner.
Meanwhile, Caribbean Prestige Foundation and its new chairman, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez, received numerous commendations for the quick and efficient showcase of talent, which saw more than 30 competitors perform before 11pm. The show started promptly at 5pm, when Arima’s own ‘Flag Man’ Hubert Peter Diaz raised the national flag.
Lyons-Alvarez and her team also upped the game with the layout of the venue. The backstage area comprised an Artiste Village, a Media Village and a Performing Village, all featuring air-conditioning.
Play Whe International Soca Monarch Finalist
Groovy Category
Teddyson John Vent
Swappi Party Start
Blaxx Gyal Owner
Mandella Links Tombstone
Ricardo Drue I Got You
V’ghn Trouble In The Morning
Tim Tim and Rayzor X Pose
Preedy Lost and Found
Power Category
Mr Killa Run With It
Iwer Blessings
Lil Natty and Thunder Get In Your Section
Terri Lyons Mad
Chingee Rolling Stone
Granny Jiggle It
Jo Jo Start It
Mr Legz Wining Challenge
