Competition is a big part of soca music during the Carnival season. Whether you are in Trinidad, Antigua, St. Vincent, or Barbados, competitions are all around in a number of categories. Whether it’s the soca monarch, calypso, or road march competitions, you’re sure to hear some type of controversy about it. St. Vincent’s road march was won by Skarpyon for a rather mellow song titled, “Leave Me Alone,” with no typical road elements. Whenever Trinidad has their International Soca Monarch competition, you’re sure to hear gripes about who should have placed or won. This year is no different as it pertains to Barbados.

Yes, the lack of quality music from Barbados is a hot topic. I don’t think there is a lack of good music, just a lack of good judgment from the radio stations and DJ’s. With that aside, the calypso tents have been in full swing for the past few weeks and more recently, the finalists were announced for the annual Party Monarch Competition. The top contenders of the event are Ms. TC, Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal Nurse, Adrian Clarke, Barry Chandler, Kimberly Inniss, Mr. Dale, Peter Ram and Lil Rick. The other contenders to meet last year’s winner, Natahlee Burke, are Sammi Jane, Omar McQuilkin, Sharon Darlington, Starr Perez, Crystal, Popsicle, Troy Special, De Villain, Lorianne, and the trio Malcolm X, Styles P, and Ramases Brown. This is the first year the competition is allowing a group to perform, allowing another addition to the growing controversy list. While it may not seem like an issue, the rules were not amended in time for many people to be aware groups were allowed.

Bajan artiste Contone is a favorite these days and did not make the cut. While many are upset, I don’t believe the public realizes the criteria that one is judged on. Lyrics (20 pts), melody (45 pts), performance (30 pts), and presentation (5 pts) are the criteria. Crowd response is not supposed to have any bearing on the points system. Contone’s song, “My Car Brek Down,” is one of the jost popular songs of the season, though it lacks in the lyrics area, and Contone’s clarity is very questionable.

Based on the judging system, I would say Lil Rick, Khiomal, Edwin Yearwood, and Barry Chandler would be a hard decision for the judges. Lil Rick will be performing his, “Unity Jam,” which has a great line, “Put up your rags and put down the guns.” Khiomal’s, “Welcome To The Band,” should keep the crowd moving with, “We go jump up together, we go wine up together, leh we unite together, sun or rain, we are insane.” Five-time Party Monarch winner, Edwin Yearwood has a strong song, “We Ready To Go.” Stating, “Big truck driver, take it easy, take your time, we in no hurry, everybody jump and be free,” it’s sure to make the song a road favorite as well. Barry Chandler will be singing, “Flames.” He’s sure to mash up the crowd with, “Masqueraders playin mas, look how we wukkin up, controlling every flag, the vibe could never stop.” All four songs are great party and road tunes and they all have the energy to keep the crowd on their feet. Natahlee may have had the crowd going last year with, “Colors,” but I doubt she will place in the top five. She has stiff competition this year.

Antigua has yet to name their finalists for their soca monarch competition, though based on the music I’ve heard this year, Sleepy, Tizzy, and Lord Satellite are the favorites to meet last year’s winner, Claudette Peters. Claudette has a nice track called, “Make Waves,” that I’m sure will get a great crowd response. This time next week I’ll be feting in the land of wukkups and Bajan soca. I’ll be sure to let everyone know what’s hot in the festival. Safe travels to anyone heading to Antigua or Barbados, and have an enjoyable week everyone.