The critics have all weighed in on the decision made by 2019 International Soca Monarch King, Hollice ‘Mr. Killa’ Mapp, to withdraw from this year’s competition. “That’s because they don’t want a Grenadian coming back and taking over ….” one response to Mr. Killa’s Saturday evening post read. Over 500 responses beneath that post on the artiste’s Instagram page, showed that many were still excited to see the Grenadian cultural ambassador in the soca showcase.
Mr. Killa has bowed out of the race.
Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is on. The event, a staple to the cultural calendar of the Caribbean Diaspora annually, is never without its fair share of ‘bacchanal’. This year, it all started with Fay Ann Lyons’ exit as chairman of the competition. Subsequent to that, Ebuzztt.com reported that she had officially been terminated, according to the artist herself. Now, like clockwork, just one day after Grenada celebrated its Independence, Mapp issued a media statement saying he would be withdrawing.
Mr. Killa’s sentiment echoed across the soca fraternity, and at home in Grenada. One person said they’d been planning their trip from Grenada but would now be cancelling. Despite this move, the competition will go on. Last week, The Caribbean Prestige Foundation said the School’s Soca monarch competition in Trinidad and Tobago would be restructured and as such this year’s competition had been abruptly cancelled. ISM is now being run by Question Mark Entertainment’s Simon Baptiste.
Despite his decision to opt out of defending his title, Mr. Killa says he wants the people of Grenada to go out and support his fellow Grenadian artistes who have made it through to the finals. ‘Wrong Again’ singer, Skinny Banton has made it through, along with Grenada’s Luni Spark and Electrify.
Shivonne Church- Isaacs (Lil’ Bitts) has been in the soca industry for 20 years.
After two decades in the business, Lil’ Bitts—aka Shivonne Churche-Isaacs—has made a vow she plans to keep: never again will she sit out Carnival. The multi-talented artiste, known for her infectious energy and stage presence, has had a front-row seat to Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic festival season for years, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. She still remembers the shock she felt when she made the decision to skip the parades on Carnival Monday and Tuesday one season, only to end up physically sick. “I got sick—like, literally,” she admits. “I’ll never ignore Carnival’s call again.”
This year, Bitts is more than ready to hit the streets with Yuma for an unforgettable Carnival 2025. The excitement is palpable as she gears up for what’s sure to be a thrilling season, both on and off the road.
Rising to the Occasion with “Brighter Days”
Lil’ Bitts is happy to add something different to her repertoire, with ‘Brighter Days.’
With five songs under her belt and a growing social media presence, Lil’ Bitts is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Her Instagram and other platforms have become hubs of interaction with fans, opening doors to new collaborations and promotional opportunities. “Social media is the ultimate artiste toolkit,” she says, urging fellow performers to embrace the digital world to connect with their audiences.
One of her most highly anticipated projects is the track “Brighter Days,” which she says has been in the works for three years. Produced by Gaffa Productions, the song has become a personal passion project. “This one is really special,” she shares. “The world needs positivity right now, and I feel like this song is necessary.” She credits the magic of modern technology for making it all come together, working with talented producers like Stemz, District 6 Studios, and Benje Music in hybrid mode from different locations in the region. She’s also collaborated with M1 on a single called “Wetter” for the 2025 season. “We’ve been talking about working together for years, and I’m so happy it’s finally happened,” she says. “M1’s a unique talent; there aren’t a lot of artistes like him.”
A Dream Come True: Chutney and Multi-Cultural Magic
Teaming up with Reshma Ramlal, Bitts has been reminded of the beauty that exists in T&T.
As if things weren’t busy enough, Lil’ Bitts has recently ventured into the world of chutney music. She got a call from the Pungalunks Factory to contribute vocals for a track with Reshma Ramlal, the Warrior Princess herself. The track, “Poowah Nah Ready,” is a dream come true for Bitts, who has always had an affinity for East Indian culture. “When I was a kid, I loved dressing in Indian clothes and watching Bollywood movies. I knew I wanted to do a Chutney song one day, but it had to feel natural. And this—this feels right,” she said. Bitts reflects on how much she’s learned and appreciated about Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural beauty through this experience. “The energy on set, the unity—it was amazing. We’re one people, and that’s something I never want to forget.” The collaboration has already earned a place in the spotlight, with Ramlal making it into the semi-finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
Soca artiste Voice is one of many big name artistes who’ve won big in the old International Soca Monarch Competition.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
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