Rachel Price is never to be toyed with. She’s a tough one when it comes to the business of entertainment in the Caribbean and while her words can be as stinging as her comedic expressions when she hits the stage, the proclaimed Queen of Caribbean comedy is often fearless when she has the proof to back her words. This morning, on the airwaves of urban frequency, RED 96.7FM, Price excitedly pounced on the topic of the Road March contenders and the race to the finish, suggesting that a competing frequency has been pushing its own agenda in playing Machel Montano’s music more than the music of the other competing artistes, and even going as far as to suggest that DJs at many radio stations were enjoying payment for airplay.

Patrice Roberts’ “Sweet For Days” has been a refrain for weeks. PHOTO CREDIT: Jermaine Cruickshank 

Calling for the people on the ground to be given the opportunity to decide on the Road March, Price said while she had no problem with the music receiving widespread rotation, she was bothered by the unfairness of the present situation. She noted that on the weekend when Montano’s song was released, the radio in her vehicle had been on the competing frequency, where for an extended period of time between driving to complete various errands, she had heard the song unceasingly wheeled and played.

Many are now taking to social media with their views following the weekend explosion of Machel Montano and Superblue’s “Soca Kingdom.” Many are in agreement with Price’s sentiments while others argue that Machel has the recipe for the Road March. It was also suggested this morning that the population had been brainwashed, a term that has been used to describe the Machel madness, for years.

Iwer George’s “Savannah” has suddenly been pushed back it would seem, with Montano’s weekend release. PHOTO CREDIT: Jermaine Cruickshank 

Iwer George, Patrice Roberts, Ricardo Drue and some say, Shurwayne Winchester all have tunes that are deserving of equal airplay for a chance at the coveted Road March – the song that is most played for masqueraders to cross the various judging points, on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. No airplay or little airplay would obviously equate to less than thunderous reception from the masses at fetes. When that is experienced, DJs then cast  the songs that receive little reaction to the back of the pack. FAIR OR NOT? You tell us.

Montano meanwhile, is preparing for his Machel Monday concert event he has aptly coined, “Soca Kingdom”. That takes place on February 5th with tickets being sold for $300, $600 and $1200 for General, VIP and Platinum All Inclusive, respectively. He performs at Army Fete on February 2nd at the Queen’s Park Savannah where as we understand it, every Road March contender will have the chance to show the crowd the strength of their contender prior to the Road March race.

 Ricardo Drue’s Intensity is certainly a Road March contender but airplay has been minimal.