If you are a diehard Soca lover then you must feel thrilled today is Friday. You are not only happy because it’s the start of the weekend, instead you are looking forward to today for the greatest show on earth. For those who have no clue what I am referring to, I am referring to The International Power/Groovy Monarch, also known as Fantastic Friday! Like last year, the International Soca Monarch competition, brought controversy at the Semi-Finals level with the abrupt withdrawal of Bunji and Fayann Alvarez, and also Lavaman. Many fans were very disappointed not seeing or hearing their favorite songs mash up the big stage nonetheless the show still went on. In the end those who watched the show, witnessed the dynamic, and diverse candidates in the competition who are now competing for that precious crown and prestige of the International Power and Groovy Soca Monarch.

This year we have some luminary competitors in this competition. This year Soca music, managed to bring back icons I have not seen or heard since I was and adolescent. The Icons I am referring to are Drupatee, and Super Blue. It fills my heart with such zeal to know the music, and this competition has truly touched people of all ages, and we were able to tap into the hearts of legends to come out and run up against a man who has truly been innovative from since he graced a Soca stage back in 1986 at Dimanche Gras. This man continues to make a name within the musical entertainment industry, this man gave us an entertaining performance this past Monday, and if you missed it well hmm you missed it. The man I am referring to is Mr. Machel “Double M” Monatano. And now I bring to you my International Groovy/Power Monarch preview.

In this corner for the Groovy Monarch we have:

Drupatee Ramgoolai- Drupatee is an icon the mother of chutney Soca. She’s been in the music business for decades. Some would remember her smash hit with Machel “Real Unity”, and before that “”(Roll Up the Tassa) Mr. Bissessar”, the first ever Chutney Soca. She created history as being the first woman of East Indian descent to sing Calypso/Soca. This year she teams back up with Machel Montano with her smashing hit “Indian Gal” written by Ghost Writers, David Millen and Machel Montano, Produced and mixed by David Millen (Millibeatz Entertainment). The chorus chants “Wuk Up D Larki”, (Larki means girl) blends Chutney Soca, with a dash of house music creating a melting euphonic sound for all ears. She received some flak for performing because of her age, however Drupatee has shown us age is nothing but a number. “Indian Gyal” is currently mashing up the streets of Trinidad and parties all over. Thus far she has performed this song with color, and vigor, displaying her East Indian heritage always attired in traditional garb. We look forward to this icons performance in the International Soca Monarch Competition.  Text DRUP to GROV(4768)

Nadia Batson Nadia Batson is a talented artist that delivers with her strong vocals, sexy demeanor, and her killer voluptuous waist. “Manager” (Phantom Riddim) written by Nadia and Martian music is a chant for all ladies. The lyrics to the song are powerful, a wakeup call for young ladies who confuses a man’s territorial attention, with love and affection. She points out if a man doesn’t like the things that make you happy or encompass you then leave him alone. “Them boys who does dictate all the pace,like them is the boss ah yuh. Gyal that is not yuh man. Gyal that is yuh manager. Whole day whole night all over you. He dey like a scavenger. Gyal run away from that .Just get away from that”. Nadia captivated the crowd with her attire and performance the night of Semi Finals. She is a great artist that is underrated. Last year she captured the 3^rd place in the Groovy competition. Nadia possess a voice ever so radiant a true cynosure in the music industry. She’s sung alongside a sundry of Soca heavy weights; Machel Montano, Dawg E. Slaughter, and Kees. She broke on the scene as a solo artist with her 2005 hit “One Island, followed by “Mind Yuh Business”, “My Posse”, and “My Land”. Outside of music Nadia also manages her own booking agency, owns a clothing/shoe store called Fashion Over Styles. Nadia has enormous intelligence surrounded by her beauty and aesthetic voice. Support Nadia Fantastic Friday by text NBNB to GROV (4768).

Denise “Saucy” Belfon – This veteran Soca artist tells you who she is from the beginning of this masterpiece off the Project 5 Riddim, by By StarBlu Ent & Millbeatz Ent. “Wining Queen” is a catchy song, the lyrics and riddim are precise perfect for wining. Anyone who listens to this song will perform and swear they can wine as precise as the wining Queen Saucy Wow. At Machel Monday she performed “Wining Queen” and showed the ladies what to do, she strutted her stuff and performed sporting a new hairstyle and exquisite attire. She begins the song with her signature “Eh Eh Eh Eh Eh Eh Eh Eh Saucy” Then she continues to introduce herself for those who do now know her, and for those that are familiar with her work this song reacquaints you with who she is and why she is the Wining Queen. “I is the Wining Queen of the Soca .They call meh so since I small. Nobody can’t call me no joker I is ah boss.” With her song she gives the listener a chance to compete against her but before they do she gives them are winning resume and offers a sample of what she does she says “I have the wining template Come over here let me show you it Show yuh what they does want meh do Bounce it down come out”. “Wining Queen” is one of the most requested songs off the Project 5 Riddim. Vote SWOW GROV (4768)  if you want Denise to win.

Ravi B-He is also a top radio personality with Trinidad and Tobago’s leading East Indian radio station, 90.5fm. When a patient is sick most doctors prescribe pills, or some sort of remedy for the problem. Well Ravi B is his own doctor and with his song “Prescription” he prescribes rum to heal his ailments. “Prescription” written by Ravi B produced by GBM productions is doing serious damage in Trinidad and Tobago. The video takes us to the hospital with a patient (Ravi B) who appears to be in immense pain, then all of a sudden he jumps up and tells the doctor give me a prescription to ease the stress away a bottle of rum, two bottles. This year he’s not also known for his hit song “Prescription” but also his haircut carved out in the shape of a Lizard. Ravi B is the lead singer for the band Karma he has great hits like “Drinka”, “Cyah Come” and “Dularie Nanny”. He is a top Radio personality on Trinidad’s popular East Indian Radio station on 90.5fm. He received the award for best Bhajan album in 2005. We wish him the best of luck on Fantastic Friday, if you are supporting him text RAVI to GROV (4768).

Rodney “Benjai” La Blanc- Benaji is no stranger to the International Groovy, and Power Monarch competition. Benjai has a marvelous catalogue of music beginning with his 2002 break out hit “Over”. Fast-forward to 2011 he received second place for his hit song “Trini” at the International Groovy Monarch, and in 2012 received 3rd place with his hit song People’s Champion in the Groovy Monarch. This year he presents to us “Feter” (Project 5 Riddim) produced by StarBlu Ent & Millbeatz Ent. The collaboration between Star Blu Ent & MillBeatz has proven to be thus far fruitful with two major songs from the same riddim entering into the competition. For his semi-finals performance he stuck to his formula of keeping it simple. He brought out a bag with rum and chaser, and in full Carnival spirit took a sip and poured some on his head, all while pelting real waist on stage. He had the crowd in an uproar, raving “FETER” “FETER” “FETER”.  Benjai like his brethren Bunji Garlin is full of sweet lyrics and knows how to please a crowd.  He has done excellent job of swaying the crowd in the past I’m sure he will do a fantastic job Fantastic Friday. Text BJAI to GROV (4768) to confirm his win.

Darryl “Farmer Nappy” Henry- “Minglin” is something desired by most during the Carnival season, in fact Farmer Nappy endorses it during Carnival. “It’s carnival, time to mingle. Ah rather play like ah single. To jam up on plenty woman. Like if ah come from the jungle. And if she find my section. I doubt she go find meh. Cuz ah big bottom gyal in front. And one behind meh and ah sandwichin. Ah standing up like ah Maniquin. Prophet tell me to wine on anything. And so ah wining on everything.” “Minglin” written by Farmer Nappy and Jason Bishop, produced by: De Red Boyz, draws the point it’s admissible to wine with a stranger whether you have a spouse, or significant other. “Girl I doh mind you Here by my side. You waiting for carnival But you doh let me wine. You play in your band And I will play in mine.” Farmer is an Xtatik Band native, and close friend of Machel Montano. He is a nationally recognized writer and instrumentalist. He has written, and co-written major hits such as ‘Big Truck’, ‘Music Farm’, ‘Tayee Ayee’,'Water Flowing’, ‘Last Singer’ and last year’s ‘Surrender’. This is not the first time Farmer Nappy has grace the stage of International Power/Groovy Monarch, he premiered on the back in 2008 with his hit song “Chippin”. Farmer Nappy promises to give a wonderful show in the International Groovy Monarch. Show your Support by text FARM to GROV(4768).

Destra Garcia- Any true Soca fanatic needs no introduction for this artist. If you know “Bonnie & Clyde”, “It’s Carnival”, “Bacchanal”, “Cool It Down”, last year’s “Baddist”, and this year “Call My Name”, then you are familiar with the Queen of Soca, Destra Garcia. “Call My Name” produced, mixed and mastered by GBM Studios, written by GBM Studios & Destra Garcia is a sweet song. “If you’re looking for somebody to come and rock your spine. Just call my phone, Dial my number boy anytime. Don’t worry bout getting none ah dem roaming charges. And if it’s good service ya looking fah then it’s me who have it. Tell dem call me It’s my pleasure. Just tell dem to call me Call me whenever.” “Call My Name” is the anthem for all Destra Fans. The video for “Call My Name” gives you a look at Queen Destra as she graces various international stages; it also displays how passionate she is about her art form and fans. She recently created an App for her fans so they are abreast with all upcoming songs, and projects. Her semi-finals performance elevated her into lucky number 7 at the Groovy Monarch competition. With her enhanced look, energy, and devotion to her fans she continues to press forward. We salute Destra and wish her the best of luck.  Support Destra by texting DEEG to GROV (4768).

Patrice Roberts- I don’t know about you but I see nothing wrong with taking “A Little Wine” here and there. “A Little Wine” is a colossal hit off the Spanish Fly Riddim, produced by Fryktion, and written by Problem Child. For 2012, she teamed up with Kerwin Dubois for “I Am Soca,” she didn’t place in the competition but her song is still a party favorite.  Patrice is no stranger to major competition. In 2001 and 2003, she won the National Junior Calypso Monarch. In 2006, she placed second with “Always Be”, and in 2008 she placed second again in the Groovy category with her song “Mo Wuk”. From the time you hear the words “Is just a wine. Just a little wine. Eh no harm in that right. We having a good time .Everybody Wine on somebody now. Take a wine Everybody Wine on somebody now A little wine never hurt nobody So take a wine”. The video brings the song to life touching an issue many within the culture go through- a wine is a wine nothing to take so serious, however a simple wine can end a simple relationship. If you want to see Patrice takes back the crown tune in on Fantastic Friday, text WINE to GROV (4768)

Iwer George- Iwer is a wonderful entertainer always providing some form of comical relief through his songs, “Bubble” is just another one of those tunes. Iwer is accustom to creating frenzy on stage as well as off stage. He is no stranger to Fantastic Friday’s. For quite some time his fans felt he was robbed the crown for the International Power Soca. It is clear to say Iwer is out for the crown and has changed his strategy. This year he no longer seeks the Power Monarch crown, instead he’s homing in on the Groovy. This is an astonishing move, nonetheless, successful because it landed him a position in the Groovy finals. “Bubble” looks into the life of the Soca Superstars after Carnival. Iwer brings up the point they have to make some kind of living and he sing about the things artist do. “Machel selling rum And Iwer selling boat ride. Bunji Garlin selling clothes. And Iwer selling boat ride. I hear Saucy selling food. And Iwer selling boat ride.” “Bubble” is a great boatride tune that will have you bubbling and laughing at the same time. If you want to see Iwer take the crown text IWER to GROV (4768)

Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart- “Leh Go” Produced by Juelio / Nu Generation Studios (Soca Future Riddim) is such an exuberating song.  When you hear “Leh Go”, you want to do just that, be free ready to go beyond all limits on the road. For the Semi-finals he brought out and array of color with beautiful costumes on stage. The “Leh Go” video was perfect depicting the true essence of carnival with color, humor, mischief, all the while entertaining, by the end of the video every man woman and child just “Leh Go”. Blaxx has come a long way in the Soca industry, he earned his name from singing in the band “Fucceccion” where he sang for ten years. After his stint with “Fucceccion”, he joined a few other bands (“Atlantic”, “Byron Lee and the Dragonares”, and “Blue Ventures”) before joining the legendary band “Roy Cape All Stars”. We wish Blaxx the best of luck for the Groovy Competition text BLAX to GROV (4768).

In this corner appearing in 9^th position in both the International Groovy and Power Monarch we have the reigning champion: The King Machel Montano

Machel Montano is a household name in the Caribbean region and diaspora, creating trends wherever he goes. Machel is not only a singer, but an entrepreneur, a model, a father and son. He’s made numerous headlines in and out of the entertainment industry all the while producing hit after hit.  If you love Jouvet you know “yuh can’t play mas if yuh fraid powder”. “The Fog” is a double entendre that has become a new slang for 2013 mashing up every fete. Excessive use powder forms a cloud of fog and in fog so many things can happen. This gem was written by Full Blown Entertainment, Machel Montano, Precicion Productions, Precision also produced and mixed “The Fog”. Last year was a banner year for Precision Productions: Antilles Riddim, Red Bull Riddim, “Dutty” by Gabrielle, Kes “Precision Wine” and many others. This year they created Paradise Riddim, Single Barrel Riddim and most recently “The Fog”. “For the dust to rise. whoa oh powder in your eye now we come to life whoa oh we dustin’ dem from aside. Gyal dem peltin waist powder in your face foggin’ up de place. In the uptown session well we havin’ a nice time”. The recent roadmix release is creating hysteria in the streets of Trinidad as well as New York. The video for “The Fog” gives viewers a splash of what goes on for Jouvet in Trinidad. I’m sure he will “fog up de place” this Fantastic Friday. If you love, and admire Machel support him this Fantastic Friday by texting MMHD to GROV (4768).

Power Monarch

Shivonne “Lil Bits” Churche - She is the smallest competitor in the International Power Monarch, however she possess a beautiful voice crafting songs such as “Bump”, “Careful” and “Hold Meh” “Sweetness” from off the Honey Riddim, and in “Meh Country” featuring Bunji Garlin. This year will perform “Raise De Dust”. Raise De Dust written by Lil Bitts brother Sherrard Churche and Kernal Roberts, produced by Rama studios. She graced the stages of International Groovy Monarch with her song “Crush” in 2006. She was a semi-finalist in the Groovy Soca category in 2010 with “Careful”. Raise the Dust is a great song that has blessed Lil Bitts with the opportunity to show the world what she’s capable of. She plans on working on her first album compiling her greatest hits. So if you love Lil Bitts and want this lovely lady to win text BITS to SOCA  (7622).

Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd - Can I have some “Rum Please”? What is Carnival without rum? “Rum Please” produced by Slaugher Arts Media, written by David & Lornette Reid, mashed up Vincy Mas 2012; it placed Fya Empress in the 2^nd place slot of the Soca Monarch competition, and she also won Roadmarch. She is walking in the steps of Caribbean royalty, winning the 2012 Calypso Crown in Tobago. Fya Empress is a force to be reckoned with, igniting a melodic fire on every stage she performs on. She sang hits like “No Money No Wuk”, “Sak Passe” and “VIP Ladies”. In 2011 she won Best New Female Soca Artiste at the International Soca Awards. She performs in Tobago with her husband Mr. Fusion in the duo Fire Fusion. She is the only female foreign contender in this competition and we salute her, text FYEE to SOCA (7622).

Wilt “Tallpree” Cambridge- Nobody “Bad Like We”! “Bad Like We” produced by Wetty Beatz, is hype song designed to bring the badness out of anyone; the jab jab has a provocative sound mixed in with Tallpree, a designed classic. When you think of Grenada Jab Jab this man is the first person that comes to mind, Mr. TallPree. This ravishing Leo makes his presence known everywhere he goes. Tall Pree stepped on the scene with his world famous “Old Woman” and has given hit after hit always using Grenada’s signature Jab Jab sound. He’s been on the music scene since 1989 as a dancehall artist, ten years later he broke on the Soca scene with Old Woman Alone” and has made himself a name in the industry. This year he will perform at the Power Monarch with his song “Bad Like we”. Remember to support Tallpree Fantastic Friday by texting PREE to SOCA (7622)

Devon Matthews-“Start It Up”  produced by Penn & Ace 758 studios, written by Devon Matthews & Kambon Rigault. Is  an energetic tune that would make you move. It has the your typical carnival formula; rum, rags, flags, and catchy beat. Devon Matthews is  not only a singer, and song writer but also a radio personality in Trinidad on RED 96.7, you can also catch him on Synergy Live with JW and Blaze. Aside from making music he is co-owner of High Performance Studios or HP Studios where he created his first single “Going with the Flow”. This is Devon Matthews first time entering and qualifying a position in the International Power Monarch Competition. We wish Devon the best of luck on Fantastic Friday, text DEVO to SOCA  (7622) if you want him to win.

Shurwayne Winchester A past winner of the Groovy, Power, and Roadmarch titles he is no stranger to the competitors chair. This year he has great songs that are truly underrated “We Not Stopping”, “Ah Feeling To”, and his Power Monarch submission “We Control the Road”. “We Control the Road” Produced By Jesse ‘CHUNKY’ John & Alton ‘ABX’ Bertie. Mixed & Mastered by Alton ‘ ABX’ Bertie. Shurwayne is famous for having enormous amounts of brass, and other live instruments on his songs. Aside from the lyrics the brass in this song is fierce.  “We Control the Road” exemplifies a masqueraders experience on the road. If you ever played mas you know how sweet it feels to parade the streets with you crew feeling you are the biggest and baddest on the road, “We Control the Road” provides that edge and stamina for every masquerader, it highlights what to expect Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Text SWSW to SOCA (7622), if you want Shurwayne to take back his crown.

Benjai-”A.T.A.O Enogma” A.T.A.O All Together As One a song about unity off the Magaroze riddim produced by Ace and Penn. The mixture of Benjai’s husky voice, and sweet Lucian beat comprised a mellifluous sound. Vote for Benjai Fantastic Friday text BJAI to SOCA (7622)

Destra Garcia- At the semi-finals she pointed out Bunji is out the competition this year, therefore the crown is hers. Last year she placed third in the International Power Monarch Competition let’s see if she can take the crown with her song “Carry On”. Salute Destra and support her at the International Power Monarch this Fantasic Friday by texting DEEG to SOCA (7622)

JW & Blaze- This dynamic duo, JW and Blaze, linked up in 2005 on Red 96.7 FM as radio personalities and have been working together since. The duo collaborated making music since 2007 tunes like “Eat Ah Food”, “Bamsiology”, and “Work”. In 2010, the duo won the International Power Soca Monarch and Roadmarch titles with their song and dance “Palance”. Last year they made it to the finals with “We Time”. This year they are “Timing It.” At the Semi-Finals they stated no time for Props, they brought on soca celebrities on stage, so I’m curious to see what they have in store for Fantastic Friday. Vote for JW & Blaze Fantastic Friday by texting JWB to SOCA (7622)

Swappi 4D- Last year Marvin “Swappi” Davis swept Trinidad Carnival and the Caribbean with his song Bucket by 1Klase productions. This year he brings to us Cha-Os, not pronounced chaos but sha-ous. “Cha-os” produced by 1Klase written by Swappi. On the night of the semi-finals, Swappi gave an energetic performance, that night he showed he knew hot to command the crowd. In the middle of Cha-os he stopped the song and you can hear the crowd singing the song, jumping and carrying on. Swappi is notorious for his voice and dance moves on the stage. In 2006, Swappi placed 3rd on the Synergy TV show Soca star. He sings Soca, Reggae and Dancehall music. Music is not Swappi’s only forte he intends to be an entrepreneur one day. For 2013 Cha-os seems to have the same alluring appeal as Bucket. Swappi’s goal is to become an established international artist; he will be the 10th contender on the night of the International Power Soca Monarch. Support Swappi and help him continue to achieve his dream of stardom with his song Cha-os on Fantastic Friday at the International Power Soca Monarch. Text SWAP to SOCA (7622)

Super Blue- Make way for blue royalty. This year’s International Power Soca Monarch will be epic.  We have yet another legend, a man who paved the way for Machel Montano, and elder if you must of the “Jump and Wave” hysteria, Mr. Super “Blue Boy” “High Priest” Blue with his hit tune “Fantastic Friday” written by the High Priest Super Blue, Produced By Juelio | Nu Generation Studios. Super Blue’s work is well respected and world renowned, he was first recognized in 1980 with his song “Soca Baptist” where he won Roadmarch. From there he won Roadmarch for a record of eight times and Soca Monarch five times. In 2011 he received the SAO Hall of Fame Award.  “Fantastic Friday” was well written with lyrics to move the inner spirit. Super Blue pegged what it means to be thankful for life, and all its amenities and of course for that special day fantastic Friday. We are blessed by the best. I suggest, we thank the Father in heaven. For every Soca that was written. To inform, educate, entertain and feel culturally, we free children on the street Like the sunrise, Please open your eyes Yuh done know. How the tune does go.” By the end of this song you are truly looking forward to Fantastic Friday, and every Friday hereafter. If you want to see this magnificent Icon takes back his title vote for Super Blue this Fantastic Friday. Text SUPA to SOCA (7622)

 

And in this Corner the Defending King:

Machel Montano- Defending his crown Machel Montano. As a youngster I was taught the importance of giving respect to my elders. The International Power Monarch Competition may display the total opposite. Will Machel let his guard down and bow down to the Original King of Jumping and Waving, or will he show Super Blue who reigns supreme. Let’s hope he does not Float away empty handed this Fantastic Friday. Text MMHD to SOCA (7622) if you want Machel to “Float” away on Cloud 9 with the crown in his hand.

 

So who are your top 3 for the International Power and Groovy Monarch?