Win at last: Mr Showman is Junior Soca Monarch

ears of joy welled up in the eyes of the newly crowned Junior Soca Monarch, Mr Showman. The 15-year-old pupil from Deighton Griffith Secondary School was visibly moved after being declared the winner in the soca category with his performance of Ready.

Despite being no stranger to competitions, having regularly participated in the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest and progressing through several rounds of the Baje to the World talent show, a major title had previously eluded Mr Showman. That changed in the early hours of Friday morning when he clinched his first crown before a packed audience at the Garfield Sobers Complex. A vocal group of family and friends supported the winner, their collective elation palpable.

Mr Showman, who admitted to tearing up when the runner-up was announced, told reporters, ” I am very excited because this is the first time winning a competition like this.”

With three-time monarch Tae not defending her title, a fierce battle ensued among the eight contestants. Mr Showman emerged victorious with 108 points. The judges placed significant emphasis on a well-crafted presentation. Utilising his Ready energy drink, he demonstrated how to create a party atmosphere. His clear diction remained impeccable, even during his signature dance moves.

Kari, returning after a year’s hiatus, secured second place with Sweet Pan, co-written with her mother. Her video montage featured various youth steel orchestras, showcasing her own skills as a pannist.

Zarie B, building on his impressive 2023 debut, rounded up the top three with What’s Wrong With You, critiquing the behaviour of various groups.

John Boss, an accomplished drummer, opened the competition with a pulsating rendition of Heart Beat”, whipping the audience into a frenzy. Despite audible surprise at his fourth-place finish, he appeared unperturbed, revelling in his award for Best Self-Penned Soca Song.

Other notable performances included Leilani’s patriotic Home, Ranesha’s carnival-inspired Road Call, Jayden Inniss’s dynamic Welcome Home, and Lil Stathis’s cheerleader-backed Bring It.

(STT)