Mikey Mercer sweeps both soca monarch titles at revived finals

With rain threatening and anticipation high, the long-awaited return of the Party Monarch Finals delivered a decisive outcome on Sunday evening, as Mikey Mercer emerged as the standout performer across both categories, securing a rare double victory and affirming his dominance in this year’s Crop Over season.

The grounds of the National Botanical Gardens came alive with the unmistakable energy of Crop Over as patrons gathered under gloomy skies, armed with umbrellas and chairs, to witness the island’s top soca artistes battle for monarch supremacy in the “Banks Party Monarch Finals powered by HITZ 106.7 FM”.

 

Despite the threat of heavy showers, the excitement in the air was undeniable as patrons began arriving from as early as 2 p.m., when the gates opened, ahead of the 4 p.m. start of the show, which returned to the Crop Over calendar for the first time in six years.

Eight artistes competed in the Sweet Soca Monarch competition, pulling out all the stops with energetic performances, elaborate costumes and engaging stage productions.

Mr Blood opened with Crop Over Forever, followed by Saddis with Skyfall, Aza with Soca Heaven, Khiomal with Back To When, Ross with Come And Go, and SugahRhe and Freshie with Show Me Uh Motion.

But it was the seventh performer, Mikey, who showed he was the man to beat. His performance of Real Feters immediately connected with the audience, with patrons singing along and responding enthusiastically throughout his set, making him the standout performer of the segment.

Skung Yung closed the Sweet Soca competition with Chemistry, ending the first half of the show at approximately 5:30 p.m., as overcast skies threatened rain but held off, allowing patrons to continue enjoying the festivities uninterrupted.

Eight artistes also competed in the Power Soca segment, leaving everything on the stage in pursuit of the coveted title and prize money.

Shanta Price opened the competition with Festival Calling, creating a true Crop Over atmosphere with stilt walkers, Mother Sally characters and others.

Mikey Mercer followed with Like Ah Bajan and immediately had the crowd behind him. Dressed in national colours, Mikey created a wave of national pride as patrons chanted “246! 246! 246!” at the start of his performance. His commanding stage presence made him one of the night’s standout performers.

Veteran performer Lil Rick demonstrated why he has remained one of Barbados’ most popular soca artistes for more than three decades with his performance of Best Ting. Wearing a light blue Crop Over costume adorned with jewels and a headpiece, he delivered a polished, high-energy performance that had the audience singing along and responding enthusiastically throughout.

Nikita brought theatrical flair with Extraordinary, opening with a gaming-inspired introduction before arriving on an ATV. She later transformed from a silver pantsuit into a colourful shaggy costume.

Mr Blood performed Include Me, while Walkes brought energy with Roadway, complete with motorcycles, crowd participation and a drum performance.

 

Shaquille GFG performed After All, using the opportunity to honour those who supported his journey, including late deejays John Doe and Alvin Toppin and his late father. He was briefly joined on stage near the end of his presentation by Vincentian artiste Skinny Fabulous.

Roof Deck Symphony closed the competition with Pass De Glass, arriving dressed as bartenders and delivering a lively final performance.

But the night belonged to Mikey Mercer. His performances in both the Sweet Soca and Power Soca competitions set the benchmark, earning thunderous crowd approval before judges ultimately awarded him perfect scores and both monarch titles.

Speaking after the victory, Mikey told the supporting crowd: “Thank you so much. I love wunna bad, bad, bad, bad.”

He later described the moment as overwhelming and dedicated the achievement to his mother.

“The dream this year was different,” he told reporters, explaining that the preparation involved intense training, rehearsals and commitment from his entire team.

He made it clear that he entered the competition to win but never took victory for granted. “My aim is that when they come off stage, they can say, ‘I did my best,’ and I did my best at each performance.”

He credited competition with helping artistes grow and praised the mix of veterans and younger performers strengthening the Barbadian soca industry.

With the $200 000 in combined prize winnings, Mikey said his first priority was supporting his mother, continuing charitable efforts, and building his Reunion brand.

Sweet Soca results:

(Cash prize and a trophy awarded)
Champion:   Mikey Mercer  –   Real Feters (100 points)  – $100 000
Runner-up:  Mr Blood     –   Crop Over Forever (68 points) – $50 000
Third Place: Khiomal       –   Back To When (61 points) — $40 000
Fourth Place:   Ross          –   Come And Go (52 points) – $20 000

Power Soca results:

Champion:   Mikey Mercer  –  Like Ah Bajan (100 points) – $100 000
Runner-up:   Shaquille GFG –  Afterall (75 points) – $50 000 
Third Place: Lil Rick             –  Best Ting (62 points) – $40 000
Fourth Place:  Nikita             –  Extraordinary (55 points) – $20 000

(SM)