Ebuzz News
Archived: Voice Wins Soca Monarch in T&T, But Why All The Online Protest?
The International Soca Monarch competition, held on Friday night in Trinidad, has received its fair share of condemnation with many taking to social media to firstly congratulate the chosen winner, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis, who most, if not all soca lovers agree, deserved to cop the top spot. The second and third placements are however being frowned upon by some. The question on the tongues of many, “why wasn’t Ricardo Drue and Teddyson John among the top three in winners row?”
The competition got off to a lacklustre start at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on show night, many openly voicing their disdain over new rules announced by the competition’s organisers at the beginning of the carnival season and even up to the day prior to the show. Social media was the ranting hub for many Trinbagonians and Caribbean people generally, who were taken aback by the ISM’s mandate that no video, audio or photo footage could be posted to social media or any other media, from within the venue, unless it was being done by an ISM accredited person or institution. That led to heated debates online. Nonetheless, the competition got underway in Port-of-Spain and by all reports, by 11:30pm, the gates saw an influx of patrons, some having bought their tickets at a steal of a deal price, others having been afforded the luxury of a freebie. Social media all the while, was kept updated of the happenings at the stadium, after all, as was announced weeks prior, there would be no live broadcast of the 2016 International Soca Monarch competition.
Voice’s “Cheers To Life” was the refrain at the stadium on Saturday morning.
On stage, artistes worked their butts off- delivering what they felt were their best performances. One fell down, two brought trap drum sets on stage, one brought trees and endless bush, another brought Veteran calypsonian, King David Rudder to seal his second place position and one gave the ISM crowd some of the best props seen on the night. In the end however, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis, who made the crowd sing to the top of their lungs, stole the show. He had looked the part of a winner and even as he walked off the stage, many had called it, his crown!
The second place has gone to newbie to the Soca spotlight, Akeem ‘Preedy’ Chance. His song, ‘Veteran’ has been enjoyed all season long by the young and mature alike, however for some, his first runner up position has come as quite a surprise. The third place is a tied result with veteran soca hit maker, Blaxx and the lone female finalist, Patrice Roberts sharing the rewards. Online, the rant continues among die hard soca and carnival lovers, many of whom took in the delayed broadcast of the competition earlier tonight (Saturday February 6th), via CNC3 television in Trinidad.
Drue says the sky’s the limit
For Ricardo Drue, the remarks uttered by those who believe he deserved a second or third placement in the competition, are humbling. He however told EBUZZTT, this is not his last hoorah! “Anyone who’s taken part in competition knows you win some and you lose some. It doesn’t mean you didn’t do your best. We gave it all we had and we’re happy with our efforts,” said the young entertainer who sang ‘BET’ for the judges. His team has worked arduously at establishing him as a strong contender on the soca circuit. “This doesn’t change anything. We just have to come better and work harder next time,” he remarked, in the end, wishing his supporters and all of T&T, a safe and enjoyable carnival.
On the social media pages of the third placed contenders, Patrice Roberts and Blaxx, gracious thanks were extended to members of their teams and congratulations to the first and second placed contestants.
RICARDO DRUE AT ISM 2016
Reggae
New ‘Jamrock’ Documentary Celebrates Unforgettable Moments. Cruise Returns to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa, This Year.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise shares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
Music News
Popcaan Teams Up with the Legendary, Junior Reid on Brand New Single.
