by Linda Straker
Jalon “Boyzie” Olive, Grenada’s 2015 Soca Monarch winner, will be among entertainers from the OECS who will be competing at the 2016 Arrow Tribute OECS Soca Monarch Competition, taking place in Montserrat on 16 March 2016.
The competition is organized by the Government of Montserrat and the St Patrick’s Day Committee, and according to the invitation which was sent to the Spicemas Corporation, “It is appropriate at this time for us to recognize and remember what the Mighty Arrow, Soca King of the World, did for the Soca Art form and the people of the Caribbean. Let us celebrate his achievements and his legacy with this competition.”
An ensemble of International Musicians, based in Montserrat and the United States, will accompany artistes. The musical pieces will be adjudicated by a panel of 5 judges, using the guidelines of Melody 25%, Lyrics 20%, Arrangement 20%, Vocal performance 20% and Crowd response 15%.
Each artiste is required to render 2 songs in 2 rounds of competition. Known as Boyzie in the entertainment industry, he has decided that he will be performing “Born Troublesome” and “Last Time.” The winner of the competition will receive US$5,000 and other contestants will each receive US$700.
Kirk Seetahal, CEO of the Spicemas Corporation, said that his office is happy to facilitate the process for the soca monarch winner to get such exposure in the region. “It is an opportunity exposing him to a wider audience, and at the same time people attending the show will learn about Grenada carnival and the quality of entertainment we offer as part of our carnival celebrations,” he said.
