Jumo takes Carib Soca title

By Bhisham Mohamed

Dressed in simple attire with all the colours of the Golden Arrowhead, Soca Monarch Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo outshone a field of 14 performers to capture this year’s Carib Soca Monarchy. It was a fitting finale to an electrifying performance in which the energised crowd that flocked the National Park tarmac Saturday night left satisfied early Sunday morning, though some were not totally in favour with some of the decisions.

For his winning performance, Primo pocketed Gy$1.5 million and a beautiful trophy to add to his collection of accolades he has received over the years.

Prior to the climax which left tongues wagging, soca revellers were treated to a revue including fireworks, free style, dancers and acrobats by the performers and their contingent.

Jumo performed a song that he had written some five years ago, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”. Taking the second spot was George Anthony Abrams, a newcomer out of Linden with a song that carries lyrics like “Thyme, Tomato, Celery, Seasoning”.

Dutchin was in at third with “I Am Guyana”. The competition started about 23:00h with a news piece informing the listeners that “Mysterious Guys” were involved in an accident and couldn’t make it to perform but shortly after another announcement was made that they were coming to perform “regardless” of their medical condition.

Shortly after, an ambulance arrived on the tarmac of the National Park which saw the duo disembarking all decked out as patients. This was followed by the releasing of balloons into the air and then the setting off of fireworks.

They reigned for the first 10 minutes until three-time Carib Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin took to the stage. Also decked out in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead, he wowed the fans with his vocals and props. He was accompanied by a group of dancing girls who added some flavour to his presentation.

The crowd went out of control, as he introduced a few members of the Guyana National Football Team “The Golden Jaguars” dressed in their national colours. Next to take to the stage was Ivelaw “Granny Ivelaw” Campbell with “African Moods”. Dressed in a traditional African outfit like his entire party, his performance was humour filled and the crowd liked it.

Another innovative entry was that of Huburn Levans also called B52. His entry comprised a fire truck, fire, flames and a real recording saying “warning warning” this place is “highly flammable”. Dressed in red and white, he was accompanied by his dancers, some on sticks. In the middle of his act, an angel appeared on stage followed by fireworks.

Beverly “B Little” Smith went complete carnival style with her energetic performance and props. She was accompanied by flames and masqueraders. Despite being one of the oldest persons in the competition, she had the crowd going wild.

Also performing were Rudolph “Sweet Kendingo”, a seasoned calypsonian and Young Bill Rogers, the reigning calypso champion.

The reigning Carib Soca Champion, Bonesman with “Republic Day” was brought to the stage in a Carib costume shaped like a beer bottle. Flares and fireworks accompanied his arrival. A lacklustre performance ensured him being dethroned. During his performance, he gave a speech calling for copyright laws to be implemented.

Abams with his second best piece “Wine Attack” was next. His dancers took to the stage after emerging out of a white screen. He came out in a gold and purple suit. But his performance came to an abrupt halt after his microphones went dead. The crowd got agitated and presumed it was sabotage. He however made another entrance stirring up the crowd as he stripped his purple suit and invited his dancers who were bestowed with the celery and seasoning to show the audience to wine.