Trinidad Carnival 2012 was as tradition would only have it, filled with Soca, fete and politics. The main event during carnival is of course the road march on Carnival Tuesday. Bands from around the world come to display their costumes at mas and compete on the main stage.
The International Soca Monarch the most prestigious award for a Soca performer to win falls on last day of carnival week known as fantastic Friday. Trinidad and Tobago National government along with private sponsors come together to produce the stage show competition with a $2,000,00 first prize.
Trinidad hosting an International Soca Monarch competition and not a National competition has many Trinidadians concerned about the possibility of a non-national performer winning prize money that is provided by Trinidad’s national government. Rachel Price Comedian and Radio host say’s “I am very fucking curious to know who is the national Soca Monarch of T&T. Other islands are allowed automatic entry into the International Soca Monarch. I have an issue when the government provides the prize money because that is national funds. A National Soca Monarch needs to be established, God forbid the winner come from Grenada, I have nothing against Grenadians but I can not see another islander leave this country with $2,000,000 belonging to are national treasury.“
The issue of a non-Trini winning International Soca Monarch sounds like a prime example of the island rivalry that has been going on since Christopher Columbus stuck his flag in the ground. If a Guyanese had won the competition I doubt they would even make it to the airport with the prize money!
Many major Soca artist like; Alison Hinds, Bunji Garlin (seven time winner) and Fay-Ann Lyons (the first female Soca Monarch) refused to enter the competition because of the social and political tensions around the event. By the end of the night Machel Mantano had the whole of Trinidad on fire, on his jet pack flying over the audience, all while performing Pump Yuh Flag and Mr. Fete. Winning him both International Power and Goovy Soca Monarch.
Island pride and friendly island rivalry for me - has always been a part of Soca music. Disappointingly the fun is now being drained from carnival season because of politics.
