It’s over. The International Soca Monarch, anticipated by thousands annually during Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival season, is now over and done with and the winners have been announced, much to the shock of some. There has been a three way tie in the Power category and Machel Montano has again secured his $2 million dollar grand prize but now with the event behind us, speculation is rife that the International Soca Monarch is no longer a competition, but instead, many are saying that it is leaning toward the ideals of a simple talent showcase. Question is, do the artistes themselves know and are organizers willing to admit it?
Machel has won the Power Soca Monarch title for a third year. He was however dethroned in the Groovy category by Kerwin Du Bois. PHOTO COURTESY: TRINIRAZZI.
There’s no confirmation of this but as we said, speculation is rife in several quarters, particularly so, among members of the local news media and entertainment media fraternity. In several social media posts by reputed media personalities in T&T on Friday night into Saturday morning as the show unravelled, there were sentiments of dismay and disappointment over numerous things seen on show night. Our ETCETERABUZZ.COM team was on the inside and we took things in from the crowd, looking on as perturbed attendees scoffed at several technical glitches experienced during the performances of artistes like Destra, Mr. Killa and even Farmer Nappy. This year, the Soca Monarch crowd also seemed to have dwindled a bit with the back of the venue- the Hasley Crawford Stadium, appearing bare even as the early hours of Saturday morning came. Toward the front of the stage, the usual big flag crews planted themselves, but there seemed to have been something amiss. The energy just wasn’t there. The Groovy leg of the competition which took place first was hosted by radio, television and entertainment personalities, Nikky Crosby and Paul Richards and although it appeared as though they were both mandated to make the show look completely different than it had in previous years, they failed in lifting the spirits of the people in a competition that has for years created an atmosphere of wild abandon and a true celebration of carnival.
Kerwin Du Bois is the new Groovy Soca Monarch king! PHOTO COURTESY: TRINIRAZZI.
The production issues, the order of appearance in the Groovy category and not to mention what seemed like a downplayed performance by Montano in the power category seemed a bit questionable. When the order of appearance had been announced prior to the event, many noted that the top seeds were placed consecutively toward the category’s end. Nevertheless, with the show now behind us and with Carnival Monday and Tuesday in sight, the three way tie in the Power category of Destra Garcia, Iwer George and Grenada’s Mr. Killa, will soon be a distant memory. Many now anticipate the road and with two songs vying for the Road March title- those being Montano’s ‘Ministry of Road and Bunji Garlin’s, ‘Truck on de Road,’ we turn our sights to the street parade of Carnival 2014!
The Atlantic Ocean has long connected Africa and the Caribbean through history and culture. That connection finds a powerful new expression with “Love Again,” an Afro-Caribbean collaboration between global Ghanaian superstar, Black Sherif and Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed songwriting and performing duo, brothers Kory and Kevon Hart of Full Blown.
The single was released globally through EMPIRE on September 4th. Built around themes of vulnerability, healing and the courage to love again, the record arrives at a time when creative partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean are reshaping the sound of global music.
‘Love Again’ captures the emotional highs and lows of choosing hope after heartbreak. For Black Sherif, whose introspective storytelling has earned him over 1bn+ streams from his previous album “Iron Boy,” over 5bn+ streams across his catalogue, and a global audience, the collaboration represents another step in expanding the dialogue between African and Caribbean music.
For Kory and Kevon Hart, internationally respected producers and songwriters whose work has shaped countless Caribbean hits, it marks an opportunity to showcase their artistry alongside one of Africa’s defining voices. As Black Sherif continues to share his life through his music, he is not shy about discussing intimacy and love. “Almost all of the necessary affections that I have needed, and have gotten, came from afar, physically and figuratively. As a result, I have a tough time receiving and keeping love or better say intimacy, even though I crave them intensely,” he shared.
Black Sherif
He admits that in his adult years this topic “has become one of the greatest discussions in my bedroom mirror and with this project, I have allowed you a glimpse of it.” Remarkably, despite creating this song together, the artistes did so from different parts of the world. They did not meet until the filming of the official music video. The reality TV-inspired video, which drops on October 15th, further celebrates the undeniable musical chemistry between West Africa and the Caribbean – regions whose cultural ties continue to inspire some of the world’s most exciting sounds.
Full Blown’s involvement in this project further supports their continued exploration of themes related to love and relationships. “This project felt natural and fits our vibe and style perfectly,” the brothers expressed cohesively.
Hailing from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, where Soca music is the dominant genre, a big part of their dream for the genre has always been to carry the sound of Soca music to the corners of the globe, and to collaborate and share their particular vibe with artistes from different cultures. “This project is another step forward for Full Blown. We’re keeping our dream alive,” said the duo.
As Afrobeats continues its global rise and Caribbean music expands its international reach, ‘Love Again’ reflects a broader movement bringing African and Caribbean artistes closer together. Rather than borrowing from one another, the record celebrates a shared musical lineage while pointing toward an increasingly connected future.
‘Love Again’ is one of 6 tracks featured on his EP titled SUN SHERIF, which is set to follow the success of his second studio album.
There’s a thriving theatre industry in Trinidad ad Tobago. Theatre is a part of T&T’s entertainment landscape that just isn’t given the attention it truly deserves. In the weeks ahead however, there’s certainly going to be a buzz surrounding one production that’ll have everybody talking.
Penelope Spencer’s adaptation of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” opens at the Cipriani Labour College on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2026, with additional performances scheduled through February 2027 at Queen’s Hall, SAPA and the Central Bank Auditorium.
CPR Productions will be bringing back a play that is undoubtedly fondly remembered by theatre lovers. This time however, a new cast, which includes Cecilia Salazar and Penelope Spencer, as Carmen and Frances, along with Ro’dey, Serran Clarke, Shevonne Metivier and Rachel Bascombe – step into the spotlight with a fresh production under the directorship of Penelope Spencer.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” is an adult comedy-drama that’s set in Guapo, deep in the Southern end of Trinidad. It follows four women making a living through the world’s oldest profession and the complicated relationships inside the house they share.
CPR Productions has delivered several successful theatrical productions, including Ridiculous 61⁄2, 7 Year Itch and Two Fat Fellas. With this latest production, the company continues its focus on Trinbagonian theatre, local stories and comedy, rooted in situations and characters audiences recognize.
Tickets for the play are available online at islandetickets.com, as well as K’Squared Fashion locations, Domon’s Shoe Store, Long Circular Mall and HYPEDTT Home & More, Valpark Shopping Plaza. Tickets will also be available through the relevant venue box offices as announced. Patrons are encouraged to secure tickets early for the opening weekend at Cipriani Labour College.
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