Jumo defends soca monarch title – newcomer Edmondson places second with “Same Thing”

By Bhisham mohamed –

Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo executed one of the most energetic performances in his life to retain his title as ‘Carib Soca Monarch’ when the curtains came down on the contest held on the National Park tarmac last Saturday night.

The judges’ decision was announced amid loud roars and screams from fans who packed the arena to witness the performance of the ‘X2’ (Times Two) singer. On his way to the crown, he outshone 16 other contenders with his entry titled “Fireworks” to win the top prize of Gy$1.5 million and a chance to represent Guyana at the International Soca Monarch contest in Trinidad and Tobago next year.
The soca sensation made his spectacular entrance on stage in the early morning hours Sunday. He was carried by four muscular men on a platform, which was followed by a few revving super bikes. As he was carried, his voice echoed through the loud speakers sending the crowd into frenzy.
They heard him before he was actually seen, the anticipation of seeing him onstage told a story by itself. During all the drama, fireworks were released into the atmosphere, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Decked out in a black jumpsuit, Jumo was accompanied by his dancers in designer costumes, who delivered with steam and energy.
During his performance, he interchanged dancers a few times, adding to his showmanship on stage. His 10-minute performance showcased creativity at its best, leaving the judges with no alternative but to let the crown stay with the former ‘Byron Lee and the Dragoneers’ singer.
Minutes before he completed his high-energy performance, his suit was illuminated with green lights, a scene that will definitely be on the minds of the spectators for a long time. He was the last artiste to perform and he delivered as promised.
However, prior to the grand finale, his tune was criticised by certain sections of the public and fellow contenders who claimed that his song speaks of the United States independence celebrations, but upon winning the monarchy, for the second time, the elated king explained that his entry not only speaks about the July 4 celebration, but Guyana’s republic anniversary. He said that as an artiste who travels around the globe, he will use his song “Fireworks” to further sensitise the world that his place of birth is a multi-cultural; multi-ethnic society and its citizens live in peace and harmony.

In at second was Kwesi Edmondson who also copped the newcomer prize with his song “Same Thing”; coming in third was three-time soca monarch and five-time road march king, Adrian Dutchin with “Jook”.
Edmondson was nowhere in the picture prior to the grand finale, but he unveiled his potential Saturday night, not only winning the crowd’s hearts, but also the judges’. His stage presentation was excellent along with his props, but his song was more or less a calypso rendition. In his presentation, he bashed a number of artistes, accusing them of doing the same thing over and over.
The judges for the night were Rocky Carew, Sean Bhola, Patricia Chase-Greene, “Sling Shot”, Margaret Lawrence, Paul Mc Adam, Robert Burns and Lennox Canterbury, who was the chief judge.