The Power Soca Monarch Crown will remain in Crown City for yet another year.
The defending Monarch Shem ‘Terror D Governor’ Bernard, who hails from the parish of St. Patrick, was able to hold onto the title at the show which was held Friday night at the National stadium at Queen’s Park.
He enticed the crowd to sing and dance in support of his defending tune “Zen”, a presentation, which amassed 273 points to win the Spicemas Corporation-organised competition for a second consecutive time.
“I feel great, to be honest. Hats off to my team, they did a great job,” Terror told reporters moments after being crowned the 2023 Power Soca Monarch on Saturday morning.
The soca artiste, who captured the 2022 title after 11 years in the business told THE NEW TODAY that even with the return of the likes of 5-times monarch Boyzie and Dash, who were among artistes that boycotted last year’s competitions over prize money concerns, and the 2003 monarch Tallpree back in competition, this year’s victory comes as no surprise to him.
“Surprise – that is not a word in my vocabulary”, the 2023 defending monarch remarked.
The now 3-times Power Soca King also shared plans to take a step back from competition to assist other young and upcoming artistes.
“I won’t always be in competition to be honest because I think I am getting tired… I just want to do music, and spread joy, and help the youth,” he told reporters.
“You have to make room for the youth too because if you have me and Boyzie and Luni Spark and Electrify, and those guys every year in competition, how are you going to see the rest? How are they going to shine?”
The surprise of the night on the big stage came from a debutant Robbie Augustine (Robulous) who entered the competition as one of the people’s favourite with a track entitled “D Farmer” and he impressed the judges to capture the second place prize with 268 points.
“I feel great, this is a blessing… I just love how everything worked out. I love where the Most High put me,” said Robulous, who hails from the virgin parish of St. David.
Robulous labelled his performance in competition this year as “just the smoke” to what he really has to offer.
“You ain’t see nothing yet,” he said while speaking of plans to release more good music in the not-too-distant future.
Jalon ‘Boyzie’ Olive, who was hoping to capture a 6th title this year had to settle for third position with his selection ‘Draw Near’ on 265 points.
When probed by THE NEW TODAY on the results during an interview after the show, the former monarch quipped, “Once the crown stays in St. Patrick I’m good with it.”
“Whoever wins the crown deserves it,” he said, adding that “every artiste (does) work hard.”
“Big up to each and every artiste. It’s not a one-man crown, remember everyone has a turn,” he remarked.
Policeman Shondell ‘Dash’ Amada, who is a more accomplished and recognised Groovy performer placed 4th with 260 points.
Speaking in an interview with THE NEW TODAY, Dash said, “It feels good” to be back in competition this year and explained that his decision to “stay away” from competition last year was needed.
Placing fifth was Javis Cuffie (Muddy) with 250 points, while former title winner Wilt “Tallpree” Cambridge who was making a comeback after more than a decade placed 6th on 248 points, followed by 2-times Monarch winner Kellon and Kelson Ogiste ‘Luni Spark and Electrify’ in position seven (7) on 227 points.
The singing duo, who had won titles back to back in 2007, and 2008, was followed by Andrew ‘Hitz’ Phillip, and Jeloni ‘Lil Jelo’ Fleming, in a tie for 9th position on 226 points.
The 11th position was captured by Shamak Duncan ‘Shamak’ with 223 points, followed by Keishon Hazzard ‘Squeeze Head’ in 12th with 222 points.
The Cecil Noel-led Spicemas Corporation (SMC) had previously announced a $100,000.00 first-place prize for the Power Monarch this year, along with other incentives for artistes across the board.