First-time victories, record-breaking feats, and pure Grenadian talent lit up Bacchanal Friday, as fireworks, flags, and fierce competition set the scene for Jarvis “Muddy” Cuffie of St David and Matthew “Mr Gold’N” Thomas of the sister isle Carriacou to write their names into history, seizing the 2025 Power Soca and Groovy Monarch crowns in unforgettable style.
Muddy made history as the first artiste to ever win the Power Soca Monarch from the opening slot, dethroning defending champion Shondell “Dash” Amade with his explosive Jab Jab anthem entitled “Payroll.”
He emerged from star-shaped props and smoke after a fireworks display, commanding the stage with Jab Jab masqueraders and a massive backpack prop symbolic of his decade-long pursuit of the crown.
Produced by Xpert Productions, Payroll had already set Carnival ablaze with its infectious beat and the unforgettable “put the jab jab on a payroll” hook and Muddy’s electrifying performance sealed the deal, earning him the grand EC$80,000.00 prize.
Muddy also walked away with the People’s Choice Award, and thanked fans for showing up early to support him.
“It just feels good, because I’ve been working for a little over a decade in this music industry, and to have the people loving me so much, to vote me as the people’s choice, and to have them come out from early and support, because remember singing in position number one, to come out early and support me like that is a wonderful feeling,” Muddy told reporters after being crowned the 2025 Power Monarch.
“I feel like the stars have aligned,” he declared, noting that the song, which was released early “captured the whole essence of Carnival, and the whole essence of jab.”
“And to do that, and captivate the crowd is super amazing…you know, no time in history someone sang in first position and won, so to have a jab song win the crown, that’s amazing,” he added.
The final scoreboard told the story of a fierce battle:
Muddy topped the field with 275 points, Kenton “Bubbah 473” Ashton of St. John trailed by just three points on 272, with “1000°F,” after a fiery performance that featured an AI video aimed at rivals, and the second place prize of EC$55, 000.00.
Kerom “Lil Kerry” Noel followed close behind on 270 points, earning the third place prize of $40, 000.00 with his military-themed hit “Bury All,” making it one of the tightest Power Soca finishes in recent years.
“Bury All” went on to rule the streets, earning Lil Kerry the 2025 Road March title as the most played song across Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
Former Monarch Shem “Terror D Governor” Bernard placed forth on 258 points with his rendition “Jab Supremacy.”
He was followed in fifth position by the defending Monarch Dash, who was unsuccessful in his attempt to defend the title with his selection “Who Madda,” scoring 254 points.
In the Groovy segment Mr Gold’N will take the Crown home to Belmont, Carriacou following his energetic and engaging delivery of his hit track “Down in Greenz,” which was also produced by Xpert Productions.
It was a vibrant display and celebration of national pride that had the entire stadium waving flags, and singing along, a performance that earned Mr Gold’N his first ever groovy title with 276 points.
“The feeling on stage was ecstatic. I did what I planned out to do, you know, I had fun, and to see the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique coming together as one… that made me enjoy (it) even more,” he remarked.
The artiste described the victory as “something (that has been a) long time coming.
“When you persevere and you persist and you continue and you turn up every day and every night, and you try and try, one day the door will open for you. And every man has this turn, and I guess this time is mine, so it’s a great feeling,” he added.
First-time competitor Sakinah “Sakina” Ambrose made a royal debut on the big stage as the lone female in competition with her captivating tune “I Got Me,” entering on a palanquin to earn second place on 268 points.
“The performance was amazing. It was my first time. It was a little different, but I enjoyed myself… and that was my cue to have a good time,” she said.
“This is nothing to play with… every artist who comes out here every year after participating in this event, they ought to be respected… this artform should be respected a little bit more. That’s my takeaway,” she added.
Former monarch Finbar “Shortpree” Andrews theatrical comeback, complete with a coffin decoy, and sunflower dancers — landed him third position on 266 points with his rendition of “Bouquet Now.”
The defending and two times Monarch Jalon “Boyzie” Olive who opted to not defend the title this year, remained visible assisting artistes with their stage presentation on the night of competition.
Below are the full results of both competitions.
Power Soca Monarch results
1st Muddy: 275 points
2nd Bubba 473: 272 points
3rd Lil Kerry: 270 points
4th Terra D Governor: 258 points
5th Dash: 254 points
6th Luni Spark & Electrify: 244 points
7th L.E.D. Bad Artiste: 241 points
8th Zeal: 226 points
9th Shortpree: 224 points
10th Shamak: 222 points
11th Tris: 221 points
12th Shequan: 216 points
Groovy Monarch 2025 results
Mr Gold’N — Down in Greenz: 276 points
Sakina — 268 points
Shortpree — 266 points
Terra D Governor — 260 points
Dash & Happy Boi — 259 points
Jonathan Francis — 247 points
Luni Spark & Electrify — 244 points
Sheldon Douglas & Shamak — 243 points
Randy Isaac — 241 points
Juice D Voice — 238 points
Yagadan — 218 points