Machel Montano showed once again he is the boss of soca when he copped the International Power Monarch for the fifth straight year on “Fantastic Friday” night at the Hasley Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad, to kick off of the Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago.
Montano successfully defended his crown, for what he says is the final time before passing the reins to new Groovy Soca Monarch Olatunji Yearwood.
His soca composition, “Like A Boss” backed by his band A-Team was way ahead of his ll competitors.
Iwer George took second place with “Play Ah Mas” and in third position was Nicki “Granny” Crosby with a song “Go Granny.”
Montano speaking after he won the title said he is bowing out of competition but remains a source of support for all local artistes of all genres who are seeking his advice and direction. He has set his sights on his lifelong dream of winning a Grammy award and taking music to mainstream international.
“I want to make soca music now to touch the world,” he said.
The five-time Power Soca monarch and two-time Groovy Soca monarch said the time was right to change lanes and step away from the competitive arena.
In the Groovy monarch category Olataunji Yearwood took the title with “Ola,” while Farmer Nappy (Darryl Henry) was second with “My House” and in third place was Ricardo Drue singing “Vagabond” and Destra Garcia placed fourth with “Lucy.”
Roderick “Chucky” Gordon retained his Calypso Monarch title beating 12 other competitors.
He sang “Believe and The Rose” a composition about how Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar does not smell like a rose again because of all the missteps of her government.
In second place was Devon Seale singing “My Humble Plea” calling on the prime minister to “Go Nah” and “Soul Judges.”
No one expected the brutal assault against the prime minister and the scathing rebuke she received over her poor governance. Some of her ministers also came in for some heavy fire from all of the competitors, including those who were recently fired.
Massy Trinidad All Stars captured the National Panorama title for the ninth time at the Panorama finals held at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday night.
Playing in position No. 4 in the Large Band category, members dressed in black and gold, gave a highly spirited performance of “Sweet 50”, a song the arranger composed in celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary. The composition was named “Unquestionable.”
In second place was Petrotrin Phase 11 playing “Happiness” and Republic Bank Exodus tied for third place with PSC Nitrogen Silver Stars.
Ten bands faced the judges in the Large Band category.
Roland St George was crowned King of Carnival 2015, while Stephanie Kanhai took the Queen of Carnival title with her portrayal of “The Sweet Waters of Africa”
St. George won with his portrayal of “Ahtwaje, with 433 points to defeat his nearest rival Teddy Eustace, who paraded as “Saramanga-D World Bat” (429 points).
The competition was held by the National Carnival Band Association at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain on Friday night.
St. George last won the title in 2012.
