The Soca Monarch competition: The thrill of Carnival’s biggest stage

The Soca Monarch competition is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival season. For decades, it has served as the ultimate platform for soca artistes to showcase their talent, thrill audiences, and compete for the prestigious title of Soca Monarch. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history of this iconic competition, its evolution, and the electrifying impact it has on the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.

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The birth of the Soca Monarch competition

The Soca Monarch competition was founded in 1993 by music promoter and entrepreneur William Munroe in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Designed to give soca music and artistes a significant stage during Carnival, the competition quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It was a chance for soca performers to make their mark and gain national recognition, while offering Carnival goers a vibrant and memorable experience.

The event’s format has evolved over the years, but the core goal has always remained the same: to crown the most outstanding soca performer who can captivate audiences with their music, charisma, and stage presence.

The rise of the International Soca Monarch (ISM)

The Soca Monarch competition went global with the introduction of the International Soca Monarch (ISM) competition. This version of the competition, which started in the mid-1990s, featured both local and international soca stars, allowing artistes from around the Caribbean and even from the diaspora to compete for the coveted title.

Under the ISM umbrella, the competition grew into an even larger spectacle, drawing thousands of fans from around the world. It was no longer just a national event; it became an international celebration of soca music and culture, with the brightest stars in the genre performing on a global stage. However, after a period of growing success, the International Soca Monarch competition came to a halt, leaving fans and artists wondering if the grand stage would ever return.

A new era: The return of the Soca Monarch

After a three-year hiatus, the Soca Monarch competition has made a grand return. While the International Soca Monarch (ISM) is no more, a new incarnation of the competition has emerged, revitalizing the Carnival spirit and reigniting excitement among soca lovers worldwide. This return marks the revival of a cherished tradition, bringing back the high-energy performances and legendary musical battles that have defined Carnival for decades.

The competition has adapted to modern times while honoring its rich history. With fresh categories and revamped formats, the new Soca Monarch aims to keep the competition relevant and engaging for contemporary audiences while celebrating the vibrant musical legacy of Trinidad and Tobago’s soca culture.

What makes Soca Monarch so special?

The thrill of the Soca Monarch competition lies not only in the competition itself but also in its cultural significance. Soca music is deeply tied to the rhythm of Carnival, the heartbeat of Trinidad and Tobago. The Soca Monarch stage is where the energy of Carnival truly comes alive, with colourful costumes, captivating performances, and powerful lyrics that get both locals and international audiences moving to the beat.

The competition also provides a platform for soca artistes to display their creativity, pushing boundaries with innovative sounds, lyrics, and performances. It’s an opportunity for established artists and up-and-coming stars to share their stories, celebrate their roots, and connect with fans in an unforgettable way.

As the Soca Monarch returns in its new form, the excitement surrounding the event continues to build. Music lovers from all over the world eagerly await to see who will take the throne and carry the crown of Soca Monarch in the new era of Carnival.

The competition traditionally featured two main categories:

Power Soca Monarch: For high-energy tracks exceeding 135 beats per minute.
Groovy Soca Monarch: For more melodic tunes at or below 134 beats per minute.

Between 2016 and 2018, these categories were merged, but due to distinct musical styles, they were reinstated in 2019.

Notable winners

Over the years, the Soca Monarch stage has been graced by numerous talented artistes. Here’s a look at some of the past winners:

Year	Performer	Song	Notes
1993	SuperBlue	“Bacchanal Time”	Also won T&T Road March competition
1994	SuperBlue	“Flag Party”
1995	Ronnie McIntosh	“On The Road”	T&T Soca Monarch from 1993 to 1995
1996	SuperBlue	“Bounce”	Became International Soca Monarch
1997	SuperBlue / Ronnie McIntosh (Tie)	“Barbara” / “Ent”	1st Tie In ISM History
1998	SuperBlue	“Ato Party”
1999	Kurt Allen	“Dus Dem”
2000	SuperBlue	“Pump Up”	Also won T&T Road March competition
2001	Mighty Shadow	“Stranger”	Also won T&T Road March competition
2002	Bunji Garlin / Iwer George (Tie)	“We From de Ghetto/Gimme Ah Bligh”	2nd Tie In ISM History
2003	Iwer George	“Ah Home”
2004	Bunji Garlin	“Warrior Cry”	One category ISM from 1993 to 2004
2005	Bunji Garlin	“Blaze de Fire”	Two category ISM from 2005 to 2015
2006	Shurwayne Winchester	“Ah Can’t Wait”	First winner of both categories
2007	Iwer George	“Fete After Fete”	BPM on borderline of Groovy & Power
2008	Bunji Garlin	“Fiery”	His 4th ISM Power Soca Monarch title
2009	Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez	“Meet Superblue”	First female winner of both categories; also won T&T Road March
2010	JW & Blaze	“Palance”	Also won T&T Road March competition
2011	Machel Montano	“Advantage”	Also won T&T Road March competition
2012	Machel Montano	“Pump Yuh Flag”	Also won T&T Road March competition
2013	Machel Montano / SuperBlue (Tie)	“Float” / “Fantastic Friday”	3rd Tie In ISM History
2014	Machel Montano	“Ministry of Road”	Also won T&T Road March competition
2015	Machel Montano	“Like Ah Boss”	Also won T&T Road March competition
2016	Voice	“Cheers To Life”	Power Soca & Groovy Soca merged
2017	Voice	“Far From Finished”	One Soca category ISM competition
2018	Voice	“Year For Love”	One Soca category ISM competition
2019	Mr. Killa	“Run Wid It”	Power Soca category re-introduced
2020	Iwer George (featuring Kes)	“Stage Gone Bad”	Also won T&T Road March competition

Note: The competition experienced a hiatus from 2021 to 2024.

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Impact on soca music and Carnival

The Soca Monarch competition has been instrumental in propelling soca music to international audiences. Artistes who have graced its stage often experience significant boosts in their careers, leading to global recognition. The event also plays a crucial role in setting the tone for Carnival celebrations, with winning songs often becoming anthems for the season.

The return of the Soca Monarch competition marks a renewed celebration of soca music’s rich heritage and its ever-evolving nature. As the competition continues to adapt and grow, it remains a testament to the enduring spirit of Carnival and the unifying power of music.

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