Ansa McAl kicks off Carib Soca Monarch competition

Ansa McAl kicks off Carib Soca Monarch competition January 10, 2013 | By KNews | Filed Under News http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/01/10/ansa-mcal-kicks-off-carib-soca-monarch-competition/ Beverage giant, Ansa McAl, yesterday launched its ninth edition of the “Carib Soca Monarch”. This year’s competition will see some 22 contestants trying to get their hands on that $1.5M cash price. Organizers of the event also disclosed, yesterday, that they are seriously considering adding a motorcar as another prize for the winner. Ansa McAl’s Marketing Manager, Troy Cadogan, said that the reason they keep the competition is because they have realized that music is the life of carnival festival. He said that in the formative years of the Soca monarchy the music was not at a particular level. Cadogan said that after sponsoring for a few years, the company recognized that although the impetus was there (prize money) one would still hear foreign music on Mash Day. He said that contestants were treated to a music workshop with renowned artistes from around the Caribbean. He said that they have had the highest number of entries, 33. He explained that those entries were shortlisted to 22. Cadogan further noted that this year’s competition will return with the quarterfinal leg. He said that the last time the quarterfinal was held was way back in 2007. This according to the organizers will no doubt augur well for the future of the competition and the further development of both the artiste and the local music industry since it allows for more participation and wider reach. From a total of 33 entries, which matched last year’s record, the in-house judging team has selected 22 for the quarterfinal which is scheduled for February 2, 2013 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. Of the 22 quarterfinalists, 12 are first time entrants to the competition. This stage of the competition will see five contestants being eliminated. Those remaining will advance to the semifinal on February 9, 2013 at the Area H Ground, Rose Hall, Corentyne where a further five will be dropped. The remaining 12 will be joined by the reigning monarch, Jumo Primo, for the grand finale at the National Park on February 16, 2013. It was explained that the submitted entries were judged on the following components- lyrics, melody, rendition, diction and musical arrangement/party appeal.