The long-anticipated return of the Soca Monarch competition to the Crop Over calendar has been met with widespread approval, with many Barbadians welcoming the move as a boost for culture, youth development and the local entertainment industry.
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister for Youth and Culture, Senator Shane Archer, confirmed on Wednesday that the popular competition will make its comeback after several years’ absence. It was last held in 2019, when Mikey captured the title.
Since the announcement, social media has been abuzz with excitement, with many expressing hope that the revived competition will bring fresh energy to the festival.
Barbados TODAY spoke with several fans on Thursday, all of whom shared optimism about what the return could mean for artists and audiences alike.
Reon Harris believes the competition must evolve to reflect the current musical landscape, particularly by giving younger performers a fair opportunity.
Reon Harris. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
“With the return of the Soca Monarch, I just hope it’s a bit more inclusive now [for] all of the younger artists and everybody has a chance to actually perform and see where it goes,” he said. “I hope it looks a bit more youth focused… I hope it is inclusive of all the young artists.”
Taahir Bulbulia described the decision as a “big step”, noting that many had been calling for the competition’s return. He also credited the minister for helping to bring it back.
Taahir Bulbulia. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
“It now gives an opportunity for younger artists to emerge and gain another opportunity to gain exposure, to gain an income, to put out music,” he said.
But Bulbulia also urged organisers to use the platform to encourage more positive messaging in music.
“What I would ask… is that we focus on positive, uplifting lyrics. So now how do we use the Soca Monarch to promote positivity amongst our society and amongst our younger people… that’s a step in the right direction.”
Akhnaten Burrowes said he was “extremely happy” with the announcement, describing it as a strong start for the minister.
Akhnaten Burrowes. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
“I know many others can agree how important competitions are to the culture and for artists, the benefits of it, the hard work,” he said. “It’s something that was missing and I’m happy to see that they’ve taken the initiative to bring it back.”
He added that he is particularly eager to see emerging performers take the stage.
“I am looking forward to seeing Tionne [Hernandez] as a young artist coming on… and other young people… on the big stage as well.”
Former entertainment reporter Leigh-Ann Worrell also welcomed the move, highlighting the role competitions play in fairly showcasing talent.
“I think it is a wonderful move… a way to showcase the talent of up and coming artists as well as the established ones,” she said. “Competition gives you more of a fair ground, as opposed to just relying on airplay or the whims of a DJ.”
Worrell, however, stressed the need for adequate support for performers.
“I just hope there is support either through subvention or concessions on the things that the artists rely on – the pyrotechnics, costuming… these are the things that really can rack up [in cost].” (SB)
The post Soca Monarch’s revival finds favour with young artists appeared first on Barbados Today.
