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13 Make Carib Soca Monarch 2012 Finals

Come February 18 all roads will lead to the National Park for what is being promised as a most memorable return of the Carib Soca Monarch. On that evening the reigning Monarch,Orlando 'Bones Man' Johassen will be defending his crown against a list of 13 other contenders.  That lot which made the final cut in Linden after heated competition on a wet Saturday night includes lone duo Mysterious and Tropical, Sweet Kendingo, 'Chinese boy' George Anthony Abrams, B52, Vanilla, Roger Bowen, Ivelaw, Adrian Dutchin, Jumo, King Shepherd, Beverly B, and Roger Hinds. The new addition was a wild card and new comer Jonathan 'Lil Red' copped that spot.

The duo Mysterious and Tropical started the nights competition with their high energy 'Regardless' song but while some partied to the vibes others couldn't be bothered as they avoided the soggy out field by staying in the stands as a safe haven. New comer Christine dressed the partying part with feathers etal for carnival but she never quite found the keys and this caused many in the crowd to openly ask "how she made it to this stage" even though the band sounded great. She had at least one fan who made his way to the soggy field and pranced a brief but even though he was part of the act he too wasn't sure of what she was singing and left the scene. This confirmed that she was a sure knockout. Sweet Kindingo was up next dressed in a silky red shirt and white pants he had the seniors rocking as he sand of 'going till morning... Sending a warning.' As usual his vocal delivery was commendable but some were not sure if he had entered the right competition.  Attiola Peter wanted to make the crowd in Linden 'wine and shake and wuk...' but the crowd was not amused nor enthused as they were not sure of what it is exactly that he was singing about. And sure enough he was one to go.

B52 dressed in red and black with three backup dancers blazed bagon flames and was really 'highly flamable' and the crowd response was fair... Then came vanilla with RAGE for a cool performance dressed in a leopard skin fitted one piece. Lil Red sounded great as he encouraged patrons to 'hold me tight and don't let go.' it was evident that entertaining was in hid blood as he kept the contagious hook. African moods was a sure hit in Linden. Ivelaw Campbelle sure ensured the people in Linden had a blast even bursting into some wining routines on his head etal. Neither the men nor women could get enough and when teh song was done the performance got the loudest continuous crowd applause and screams. Then came time for patriotism through three times Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin and there were alot of patriots in the audiences waving flags and rags. Dutchin's professionalism was evident as he lectured the crowd on being true to their roots no matter where they go.One time calypso monarch young Bill Rogers was as energetic as ever 'behind a band' but some opined that his garb was ideal for that of calypso in a blue to purple silk suit accentuated with silver sequins.

For Roger Bowen his offerings as a fireman was to 'give she water and hose' in his usually energetic form but like the rude boys were not in the mood. However Linden was definitely in a 'wuking up on it' mood when Barbados based Rastaman he got people from all over on their feet. Didn't matter what he sang his hook was so contagious that 'Wuk up pun it,' wuk up pun it' was like a chorus and the Guyana flags did wave galore.

Bartician Dexter the corn man has had his seven minutes of fame at the soca monarch and while Abigail James thought the importance of eating Breakfast singing about food, one couldn't know that from her steamy performance.

Barbados based Dasilva aka the Khemist towered above the competition physically but while he presented a high energy act the former National Athlete obviously was not in his full element and crowd support was not on his side as he was a total stranger to the Guyanese in attendance. Non-the-less he sounded like Hyper dog singing 'mash up the place'. His down fall in the competition was probably the bajan accent but he's really good with much energy hype and good vocals.

Jumo Primo after sharing out more than 100 Guyanese flags had the the patrons in the stands on their feet with small flags and flames. As he also showed his patriotic side with of 'one people, one nation one destiny.' The crowd undoubtedly loved Jumo and his portrayal of all the six races in dance styles. Then came Lil B singing of 'on de road again'. She's a proud grandmother but from looking at her physically on could not see nor guess that she is a grand mother... Her antics were those of a true professional performer as she had sections of teh crowd singing "where we going... on the road... Everybody feel it ...the music...".

Most entertaining and memorable
The night's most entertaining high fliers were Ivelaw Campbelle with his well put case for men against their women and the 'African Moods' movies that had the women celebrating and talking. Another star of the night was first timer Anthony Abrams (a Chinese looking chap) from Linden. The mere sight of him caused uproar from his village supporters who stood to their feet with celebratory applause. This kid with Philippine roots proved that Chinese, got swag, can wine and keep timing too. His signature intro was well known and sang like chorus from the audience "Lime, tomato, celery, seasoning'... His presentation was one that featured a female dancing duo who never once offered the same routine simultaneously but he sure offered a 'Wine attack groovy soca style. And when came time for him to show his abilities at attacking with a wine his dancer nicknamed celery got a chance to do the now popular 6:30 and the crowd was all for him.

By Mondale Smith

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