AFTER a night of exuberant and flashy competition it was the ‘Rubber Waist King’, Jomo Primo who demolished the field of talented individuals to retain his Carib Soca Monarch Crown at the grand finale.

With dazzling props, high energy, and scintillating techniques, he wooed the crowd and judges to put on a show that left his fans yearning for more when he left the stage. Of course he pushed his ‘rubber waist’ to the limits, engulfing the female audience in ‘musical ecstasy’.
But strangely, it seemed as if newcomer Kwesi ‘Ace’ Edmondson had saved the best for last, as he brought to the stage a soca fervor that had the large crowd going wild. This contestant is very talented and he smartly used his ‘entertainment charisma’ to connect and interact with the crowd, and they rewarded him with  rapturous applause and wails of delight.
Edmondson signaled to the soca arena that it was the dawn of new talent. His performance certainly must have made the seasoned contestants very uneasy. He performed his song, ‘Same Thing’ to capture the prize for Best Newcomer.
This performer placed second, forcing crowd favourite, Adrian Dutchin performing, ‘Juk’ to a third place position.
Roger Bowen was certainly not ‘Looking fuh Bumpa’ as his song suggested on Saturday night, but was seeking the Monarch’s crown. In other segments of the competition his presentations were lacking one way or the other. But on Saturday night he pulled out all the stops and set the National Park afire with Soca energy that seemed to fuel-up the gyrating audience.
And his props certainly sealed the deal for him, affording him the fourth position behind Kross Kolor’s Adrian Dutchin. Well done, Mr. Bowen.
James ‘Boss Stevens’ Gordon tried his best, and one has to agree that he has certainly improved since the quarter-final leg. His props were refreshing and his backup dancers were quite accomplished, while he gave his best shot on stage. However, he was lacking in the requisite dancing skills, and many wondered whether it was a ‘masquerade competition’ after he left the stage. His song was titled, ‘Soca Mascara’.
Colbert ‘Maga Man’ Dublin’s execution of ‘Shakin It’ was good, but it was not enough to earn him a spot among the finalists.
Meanwhile, many expected a lot more from Linden’s Jermaine Mc Bean than what he brought to the stage on Saturday night. His performances at the quarter and semi-final segments were ‘electric’, but the fire was certainly not in his eyes and heart on Saturday. Some of his trade mark theatrics were missing. While he kept the energy going, and his props were eye-catching, he still needed to unleash more of his talent for energizing the crowd. He brought to the stage, ‘Storm de Road’.
Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts and Wilbur ‘B52’ Levans brought new and exciting choreography to the show. The moves were new, and Levans showed signs of great improvement with a natural bonding between the two that was missing at the quarter-final leg. They certainly delivered a very hyped and entertaining execution of ‘Tear down de Roof’.
First runner-up in last year’s competition, Anthony ‘Chiney Man’ Abrams was a distinct favourite, the moment he hit the stage. He had many fans as expected, but if we are to be honest, we must agree that he needs to deliver more energy in his presentations. Nonetheless, his creativity was evident in his props, choreography and ‘soca style’. His song for the night was dubbed ‘Pose’.
NCN cameraman Quacy ‘Avalanche’ Coates was a crowd pleaser too, and should certainly be applauded for the energy and confidence he brought to the competition. Though he may not have sealed a spot for himself in the competition, he left the stage amidst thunderous applause, signaling widespread audience approval. Many thought he really did ‘Work It’ as his song stated.
Orlando ‘Bonesman’ Johashen  hit the stage like a volcano and kept the fireworks going throughout his performance. From props to costume to theatrics and diction, he just had it all going on, and it was quite a surprise to many when he did not place among the eventual winners.
Actually, three-time Soca Monarch and two-time Road March King Adrian Dutchin was not taking any chances and put out all his energy, dancing skills, and captivating choreography into presenting a package some thought would remain unrivalled. His popularity of course afforded him a rollicking welcome, and he kept his many followers entertained throughout the competition.
Ernesta Nelson’s presentation of ‘Twirl’ was smooth and refreshing, but one can always bet on this girl to spoil an otherwise good performance. All was going well for her, and she certainly was delivering as anticipated until she committed the dreaded act of attempting to talk to and solicit the favourable response of the audience. ‘Wrang bang’ darling…!!!   Everything went haywire afterwards, and she could no longer stay on top of her game.
 Jamal ‘G Money’ Gittens’s ‘Big Belly vs Bumpa’ was not a softener to the senses this time around. With every intention of winning, he upped his act for the final showdown and definitely exhibited extra energy for the audience. His performance was satisfying, but if he works on the art of connecting with his audience more, he can certainly do better next time.
Energy Goddess, Shondel London certainly delivered ‘woman power’ at its maximum, representing the ‘big curvy’ girls like a champ. She certainly worked the stage and gave a good performance.
Dwayne ‘King Sheperd’ Semple knew that the competition was riveting so he mustered all his energies, skills, and experience, and delivered a presentation many thought would have propelled him among the top finalists. And talk about props and costume… This contestant’s display was remarkable and very impressive. Too bad he did not make the top cut, with his pulsating entry, ‘More wuk Up’.
Jonathan ‘Lil Red’ King did really well, and brought out his best effort it seemed. He is young and has a far way to go. But if he expects to place in a competition of this magnitude, he will certainly have to bring added energy, and connect with the audience more. That aside, his performance was well received by the large crowd.
Representing Berbice, Rawleston ‘King Murphy’ Warde made good work of his piece, ‘Invasion’ and we know he will do better next year since he is a newcomer.
The majority of the performances this year were very impressive and it was quite apparent that contestants are becoming more classy and innovative. And this year also it was quite clear that Ansa Mc Al’s Nigel Worrell and his public relations party did an excellent job, promoting each leg of the competition without glitches.