GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 15, 2019
25
Give me the crown now!
C
ARIB Soca Monarch defending champion, Brandon Harding, is telegraphing a clear-cut message to the other finalists who will be challenging him tomorrow night at the National Park for his crown: Look out for trouble because he is going to be a problem. Harding, who won the competition last year, on his first outing, is set to come up against 14 finalists who were successful when the semi-finals were staged last weekend in Linden. Though quite a few newcomers have made the cut this year, Harding is also coming up against the likes of three-time champion, Jumo `Rubberwaist’ Primo, and other competition regulars like Ernesta ‘Nesta’ Nelson and Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts. The other finalists include, Lil Colywin, Static, Sexy Berry, True, Ryan T, Real Proof, Passion, Vintage, Natural One, Stephen Ramphal and Sasha Melody. But Harding says he has no fear, he’s in a lane all his own. “I am not taking anyone lightly. This is a competition and I thrive on competition. I know I am up against the likes of Jumo, Vanilla and Nesta, and there are also singers with some really good songs and good talent who are in it to win it. However, the only person who will beat Brandon is Brandon. I am the problem and the problem is me, for Carib Soca Monarch 2019,” Harding established. The ever-confident 24-year-old, has already had a good chance to size up his competition, having performed himself at the semi-finals last Saturday, and he says from what he’s seen against what he’s bringing, the judges
- Brandon Harding confident of retaining ‘Carib Soca Monarch’ title
FLASHBACK: Brandon Harding performing at the 2018 Carib Soca Monarch competition (Adrian Narine photo)
might as well give him the crown now. “To be honest if the semifinals was the finals I think I would’ve won. I feel good, I feel confident, this is my time to do what I have to do. and I’m working hard to get stuff together for Saturday. I can’t wait,” Harding stated. Harding will be attacking his competition with a number called “Alone” that speaks of having a good time feting with or without company. It leaves to be seen on Saturday night, when the gauntlet is thrown down, how the defending champ’s song will size up
against Jumo’s “Tribute” Harding cautioned that some serious energy will be unleashed to back his lyrics. “Fans can expect the unexpected, I don’t want to let nothing out of the bag, but I’ll be coming hard to defend. A lot of energy, the same Brandon but even more energy,” he boasted. The recently re-migrated Harding, has since his win last year, been busy performing at several events internationally. Despite his many years singing in Guyana, it was only last year that Harding decided to enter the local
Soca competition, following back to back successes at the Soca competitions that were held in St Lucia, where he had resided for a while. The winner of this Saturday’s competition will walk away with a whopping top prize of $1.5 million. The contestant who gains the judges’ nod for second place will walk away with $750,000, while the third and fourth-placed winners will receive $500,000 and $250,000 respectively. A prize of $100,000 is up for grabs for the “Best Newcomer.”
‘Jumo’ returning for the ‘Carib Soca Monarch’ title By Michel Outridge
L
OCAL singing sensation Jumo Primo, has, along with 14 others, qualified for the Soca Monarch 2019 finals which is billed for the National Park on Saturday (February 19, 2019). Primo, better known as “Rubber Waist” said he is optimistic about `holding down’ the top spot, since his song “Tribute” was well-received in Linden at the semi-finals, which afforded him a spot in the finals. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle Buzz, Primo said that with the video for “Tribute” out, he is quite taken-back with the response, adding, that his participation in this year’s Soca Monarch competition is not about the money (the cash prizes) but more-so for his adoring fans. He related that while he did not compete last year, he had to in 2019, because his fans have encouraged him to take part. Primo, who won the Soca Monarch title in 2015, deemed his experience as ‘good’ in terms of the competition itself, the crowd response and the interaction. The first prize for this year’s competition is $1.5M and Primo has emphasised that it is not about the money, but rather raising the bar, so to speak, as he has invested more than 10 years of his life in Soca music. On this note, “Rubber Waist” Primo is urging all of fans countrywide to come out on Saturday night at the National Park and supporthim. He is listed as #15 on the list to perform his song “Tribute” and he thinks he has a good chance. “This song is about paying tribute to loved ones, those alive and even those who have gone beyond, and the song is about inspiration and Soca music, our culture and it pays tribute to those before us and is also about togetherness,” Jumo said. He told The Buzz that his song will be ‘lit’, since he is bringing the “wow” factor, that is he will put on a stage show performance full of energy, good vibes and fun, come Saturday night at the National Park. Primo said that he is billed for several international tours, come March, and that his 592 Movement Nightclub/Grill and 592 Studio will soon be opened to the public.
Jumo Primo
Today
Tonight the hottest event around town will no doubt be the Banks Adult Calypso Finals at the National Park from 8pm. Come and see the 11 finalists compete for the $1 million grand prize. Will reigning champion Onika Joseph retain her title? Will another newcomer take the crown? Or will a veteran return to prominence? Find out tonight. Banks “Pon De Avenue” continues from 5pm to 12 midnight on the Main Street Avenue. Buy 4 Wave Pale Ale and get an automatic pass to the Wave Pale Ale Mash Day party truck. Enjoy good food, good music, nice vibes and Guyanese beer. District Ultra Lounge has your Friday covered with Frenzy Friday featuring live mixes by DJ Country Boy and Mix Master Tony. Buy four tequila shot and get one free. Ladies free before 9pm. On a $1000 budget? Tower Suites $1000 Poolside Happy Hour continues from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, with $1000 specials. Enjoy a Burger and Beer, any margarita, or beer specials for only $1000 at the Tower Poolside
Tomorrow
It’s the Carib Soca Monarch Finals at the National Park! See the top 14 finalists take on reigning champion Brandon Harding for the crown. Can Brandon do it x2? Head out and see the 15 perform backed by the Fame Band. Let your wild side out as Pulse Entertainment presents “Jungle Fever” at Palm Court. It’s the official jungle event where you can unleash your inner animal and have a wild time as we countdown to Mashramani! Be entertained by Dj Ryan, Dj Annisa and Dj Shizzle. Admission: $2000 (more at the door) It’s Soca Sensation at District Ultra Lounge with music by resident DJ Country Boy and guest DJ, DJ Blax Bee. Buy four tequila shot and get one free. Ladies free before 9pm. Chubbz Entertainment presents ‘Aroma’ at Yolanda’s Bar (George and Norton Street). Music by Mix Master Tony. Bottles and drink specials all night long. Doors open at 8pm. Admission: $2000 (more at the door) Calling all Hip Hop Dancers! Here’s your chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to World of Dance Trinbago in May 2019. The Hip Hop Dance battles continue at Tower Suites Poolside. Enter and Showcase your talent and win. Aura Sky Lounge presents Seductive Saturdays! Doors open at 8pm!
Sunday
If you’re in Region Two, head out to the Mashramani Chutney Song Competition Finals and Duck Curry Competition at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. Celebrate Mash with the sweet sounds of steel! It’s the Mashramani Steel Pan Competition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Admission: $500 (Adults), $300 (Children) 96.1 Voice FM presents their first ever “96.1 Mashramani Duck Curry Competition and After Party” on the lawns of their Mandela Avenue office. See who will win the $400, 000 in cash and trophies! Live performances by Kwasi Ace, and comedy by Kunchi TV’s Miss Peppa, Chris Gopaul, Liza “Radica” Singh, Michael Ignatius and much more The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant and Lounge presents “Dinner with 70s and 80s music. Sundays were meant for 70’s & 80’s!