By Simone Tull
The temperature was high on Sunday night when the first tent of the Scotiabank Junior Monarch pitched at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed.
The fiery performances did little to quell the heat during Tent One of the Scotiabank Junior Monarch.
Anticipation was high after all the free tickets were quickly snagged by eager supporters. The 14 competitors appearing in the calypso category used this session to perfect their stagecraft ahead of the upcoming semifinal round slated for July 2 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
Among those who made an impact on Sunday was King K. He delivered a commanding performance as he made an impassioned plea to end the violence with Dear God. Making full use of the stage, his emotion was matched by his facial expressions as he played to the crowd on bended knee during his memorable presentation.
Following in the musical legacy of their siblings Dynamo and Miracle who also competed at this level, were Destiny and Potent. Short in stature but brimming with confidence, Potent delivered a convincing performance of Can’t Lash We. He detailed the havoc to be unleashed when parents are unable to administer corporal punishment. Though he seemed shy when he first emerged, that quickly disappeared and he displayed his dynamism to the delight of the audience.
Trinity sang ‘I Love Soca’.
Though more sedate than her brother, Destiny competently addressed the impact of their surroundings on shaping children’s lives with Environment.
The females were well represented. Slay had a strong showing with her offering Just Like These Women. Some of the influential women who she wished to emulate were Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Rihanna and Rosa Parks. While it was a struggle to grasp all the words of a few performers, Slay’s phrasing and diction were clear.
Sakarah sang about the ills of being heavily-reliant on technology in Alexa, capturing the audience’s attention with her undeniable stage presence.
Khaleesi took a different approach with De Bully, opting to take the perspective of the perpetrator.However, she showed her progression to this behavior after being a victim.
Zarie B was energetic with his song ‘Get Active’.
In Your Creation, Sabiah portrayed deviance as a representation of what children see around them. Dear John
seemed cathartic as Daneika expressed heartfelt emotions regarding the trauma of losing a parent to violence.
Re Re was touching with A Tribute to My Granny recalling the happy memories and then the eventual decline in the matriarch’s health. The reserved King Boy did not miss the action. Looking dapper in his regal purple suit and accompanying crown, he sang Give Thanks. Also appearing were Queen A with The Black Reality, Hailstorm with Both Sides and Mhizz Khibaba performing Unity is Strength. Closing out the first segment was the Mighty Bit Bit with Drugs and Disobedience in which he implored the youth to stay away from illegal narcotics.
Sakarah performed ‘Alexa’.
Stamping his authority in the soca segment was first timer King Shad. Being visually impaired did not hamper his energetic delivery. It was awe-inspiring to watch as he maneuvered around the stage in the catchy Jam Down.
Attendees went wild for the diminutive Zarie B who encouraged attendees to Get Active in their fitness journey. It was difficult not to get wrapped up in his thoroughly enthusiastic performance. His energy was matched by Lil Stathis on Fold in Half. It was clear that he was no stranger to the stage and his antics found favor with the enthused audience.
Performing Environment was ‘Destiny’.
Colorfully attired Trinity was a bright spark and was emphatic in her passion for the artform with I Love Soca. YSR returned this year with his own unique flavor of soca with Sweet Lime. Other performers included Majestic Miya with the festive We Crop Ova, Ranesha with Good Vibes and Rojani with Vacation.
Also appearing in the final session was Joshox singing Push De Truck, Tijay with Ah Feeling and Josh B on Dis Sweet Festival. The final act of the night was Baje to the World runner up The Show Man who performed We Doan Care.
Tent Two will take place on June 25 at the same venue. (STT)
