13 advance to Carib Soca Monarch final

By Bhisham Mohamed 

It was a spectacle of high-class and energetic performances as 18 semi-finalists took to the stage of the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground last Saturday evening to participate in the semi-finals of the Carib Soca Monarch competition with the aim of qualifying for the final on February 18 at the National Park. In the wee hours of Sunday, the 18 were reduced to 13 who will perform at the grand finale. The finalists were announced in no random order by the emcee of the evening, Leslyn Lashley, a senior dancer attached to the Classique Dance Group.

The first to be announced were Roger “Tropical” Hassell and Compton Babb, the “Mysterious Boyce” duo; followed by Rudolph “Sweet Kendingo” Kendall; George Anthony Abrams; Wilbur “B52” Levans; Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts; Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds; Ivelaw “Granny Ivelaw” Campbell; Adrian Dutchin; Roger “Roger B” Bowen; Dwayne “King Shepherd” Semple; Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo; Beverly “Little B” Smith and wild card Jonathan “Lil Red” King.

The contestants who did not qualify for the finals but are full of potential were Pierre “DaSilva The Kemis” Da Silva; Dexter “Dexter D” Lovell; Christene “Chris T” MC Koy; Abigail “AJ” James, and Atiola “Attie” Peters.

The patrons who turned up in their numbers amid a steady downpour were not disappointed, since the contestants definitely put on a show that was enjoyed by all.

The competition got underway after 22: 30h, with the Mysterious Boyce singing “Regardless”. It was apparent that they were nervous, but they performed with some vigour in the futile hope of gaining the crowd’s support.

Next up was MC Koy in her white mini pants and carnival-inspired look; she also attempted to energise that crowd, but it was a hard “nut to crack”. Backed by three dancers, MC Koy and her powerful rendition of “We Guyanese” were not appreciated by sections of the audience.

Taking to the stage next was three-time calypso monarch Rudolph “Sweet Kendingo” Kendall in white trousers and an orange satin shirt. His “We Going Till Morning” was well received by the massive audience. Sweet Kendingo, the oldest competitor, moved his body like an agile 15-year- old. The crowd loved the “old guy” and cheered as he left the stage.

His performance made way for Atiola “Attie” Peters who sang “Whole Night”. Despite the real soca flavour of his song, he failed to impress the judges and the audience. As the emcee announced the name of the next contestant, the crowd went berserk and the only Lindener in the competition, George Anthony Abrams made his way to the stage.

Abrams, in a blue short pants and a yellow jersey, charmed the audience with his cool moves and energetic performance of “Wine Attack”. Backed by two dancers, he had the crowd gyrating to the sweet soca vibe as he moved himself like a “cotton wheel”. With the soca mood set, B52 came on to do his piece titled “Highly Flammable”. His performance was accompanied by flames which nearly set alight the roof of the stage. Waving and gyrating in a black pants, red shirt and black waistcoat, he could not step up to the challenge laid down by Abrams.

He made way for the tiger woman, Vanilla, with “Rage”. As expected, she performed with charm and dynamism. She definitely re-energised the audience, but could not compare to Abrams.

As the time flew, newcomer Jonathan “Lil Red” King with “Hold Me Tight” added more zest to the already excited atmosphere. He is the youngest competitor and was well supported by his fans as he gave a “bouncy” performance. Another newcomer, who was well received by audience for his cool moves and looks was Ivelaw Campbell.

During his vigorous performance, the crowd definitely had an enjoyable time, behaving “real bad” as Granny Ivelaw gave them a few of his best granny character styles in his performance of “African Moods”. As was promised, he wore no costume, no make-up just a red and white outfit. The crowd went crazy at the end of his performance. They went even crazier as the three-time soca monarch and road march king Adrian Dutchin was introduced. For a moment, it looked as if the stands would have collapsed due to the jumping and waving.

He performed “I am Guyanese” whilst waving the Golden Arrowhead. With his spectacular performance, the crowd was well entertained, as he sent a strong message that no matter where they are, they are Guyanese. His performance left patron dripping with sweat.

The party continued after the results were announced. The judges for the evening were Lennox Canterbury – chief judge; Charles Sampson; Michael James; Gavin Edwards; Wonda Richmond; Vivian Boyd; Robert Hogen; and Malcolm Perreira.