–Carts off coveted title and all the perks
THOUSANDS descended on the National Park Saturday night to witness the 2014 staging of the much-hyped Carib Soca Monarch competition, and there were mostly murmurs and exclamations of satisfaction when the show concluded sometime around 02:45 hrs on Sunday.

The contestants all brought out their ‘A’ game, and it was quite a task for the more seasoned campaigners to fight off the “energy attack” of the hot new faces that entered this year’s competition.
After many splendid and riveting performances, it was last year’s second place winner, Kwasi ‘Ace’ Edmondson who unleashed “Soca Hellfire” to scorch and demolish his competitors to take the 2014 Carib Soca Monarch title. He performed the catchy piece, “Still in the Game”.
In second place was last year’s Monarch, Jomo “Rubber Waist” Primo with the song, “On de Road”, which many thought was a “lukewarm” performance, Orlando “Bonesman” Johnashen placed third with “Blow”, while the energetic Jonathan “Lil Red” King rounded up the party at fourth place with his song, “Who we Are”.
The best newcomer title went to Kemiana Garnette with her entry, “Designated Winer”.
After steamy performances from the Heatwave Band, the crowd was quite aroused to savour what was to come. They were primed and seductively teased by the band’s very sensual and curvy “suga momma”, Jackie Hanover, who unleashed a scalding package of smouldering vocals and tantalising dance moves.

First to take the stage was the saucy Kemiana Garnette, who presented a good introduction and riveting theatrics. Backed by the talented Classique Dancers, it was no surprise when she won the Best New Comer title. However, many were of the view that she should have tried a little harder to connect with the audience who seemed not to be “feeling her”.
Next up was Jonathan “Lil Red” King, who appeared more than prepared to make a name for himself in the competition this year. His previous nervousness was missing this time as he unleashed youthful energy and appealing dance moves that had the crowd “rocking in approval”. His decision to use the dancers under the supervision of instructor Lyn Ann Medford certainly worked for him, as they accentuated his presentation with colourful costumes and classic style.
Kross Kolor Studio’s Melissa “Vanilla” Williams was her usual high energy persona with powerful vocals and an electric dance routine as she performed “Yada Yada”. She arrived with motorcycle outriders and Kelton Jenning’s dance group certainly did her justice. She created solid soca vibes for the audience but sadly did not place in the competition.

Jomo “Rubber Waist” Primo brought the usual versatile and powerful performance to the stage. The energy was there as he performed, “On de road Again”, but many thought that he should have brought something different and surprising since his audience by now is more than able to predict his presentation style.
Ernesta Nelson is indeed a very gifted singer, and when she presented “Ridiculous” it was with excellent soca finesse and precision. Her scanty costume was a crowd stealer and her backup dancers were good. However, this diva needs to step up to the platter and present more frenzied gyration and forceful presentations if she is to seal the deal. However, her talent will certainly take her places.
Compton “Mysterious” Boyce was, somehow, not impressive and left the stage to minimal applause.
He made way for the suave Abigail James who plunged into feverish ‘bumpa rolling, twitching, and jiggling’ that set the crowd on fire. Belting out “Show me what yuh can do with yuh Bumpa”, she brought a ‘big bumpa granny’ to the stage who evoked hysterical laughter from the audience.
No one may ever be able to tell what really went wrong with Shellon “Shelly G” Garraway. But it was quite apparent that her performance on Saturday night was not laced with the ‘tropical fire’ she emits when performing. Yes, she was all sassy and did everything right, but despite urging from her followers at stage front, something was just visibly missing. Nevertheless, she managed to leave a reasonably lasting impression on her supporters.
Orlando “Bonesman” Johnashen did not fail to impress and took the stage by storm when he appeared. Everything else was perfect in his presentation, except for instances when it was impossible to hear what he was mouthing at certain parts of his song.
Quace Coates’s presentation of “Sparta” was good, but it certainly did not manage to receive the nod of the judges or sections of the festive audience. Nonetheless, he was his usual raunchy self and delivered his song comfortably.
Roger Bowne was distinctly different and brought a refreshing breath of air to the stage as his song dictated the essence of “Love and Unity”.
Lady T was not bad at all and she brought the curtain down on a night of celebratory and festive soca infusion at the National Park. Clinton “Passion” Adolphus was not a bad performer either, but failed to make the final cut.
Written By Alex Wayne