by Linda Straker
- International Soca Monarch competition participants receive plaques of appreciation
- Prime Minister thanked the artistes for their exemplary performances
The 5 soca artistes who participated in the International Soca Monarch competition during the recently concluded Trinidad and Tobago carnival, were on Tuesday presented with personal plaques of appreciation from Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell.
For the first time, the competition was won by a non-Trinidadian when Hollice “Mr Killa” Mapp from Grenada ran away with the title with his hit song “Run wid It.” Hector “Mr Legz” Thomas who was one of three artistes to compete in that soca competition, placed third while for the groovy competition Jevaughn “Vaughn” John placed third.
The other competing artistes were Mandella Linkz McDonald who competed in the Groovy and the soca duo of Dingaan Henry and Nyelon Williams who are known as Lil Natty and Thunda who competed in the Power Soca.
During the weekly post-cabinet briefing Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank all the artistes for their exemplary performance during the Trinidad carnival season. “I consider you all winners. I did not see any losers at all,” he told the artistes before personally presenting the plaques to all of them in the presence of acting culture minister, who also carries the title Minister for Youth Kate Lewis.
“You guys success will bring a lot of economic benefits to the country,” he told the artistes.
Each one of them expressed appreciate for the recognition and used the opportunity to thank fans and all who played a role in their development over the years.
“The journey to winning the crown started a long time ago,” said Hollice who won the Grenada soca monarch title on various occasions.
The Prime Minister told Mandella Linkz that his song “Tombstone” which was released for Grenada’s 2018 carnival and became a hit for the Trinidad carnival is his favourite. The song tells the story of his jab jab ancestry blood flowing in his veins.
When asked if the artistes would be named cultural ambassadors, the Prime Minister said that it will be the duty of the Ministry of Culture to present such a proposal to the Cabinet. He, however, promised that government will provide the necessary assistance to ensure that they have easier travels and do all it can for them to receive a visa to engage in work-related travel.
