Harding retains Crown
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cez8FMevAn4″ width=”100%” height=”315″]
─ Steve Ramphal named Best Newcomer
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, February 17, 2019
Despite fierce competition, reigning Carib Soca Monarch, Brandon Harding retained his crown at the Carib Soca Monarch Competition 2019.
The champ barely clenched the title by one point as first-timer Steven Ramphal placed second, earning him the title of the best newcomer.
Osbert Cain, also known as Vintage, clenched the third-place spot while Jumo ‘Rubber waist’ Primo took fourth with his song titled ‘Tribute’.
Steven Ramphal’s song ‘Soca in Me Vein’ was a crowd favourite, and many felt as though he would be the one to dethrone Brandon, but alas the Lindener held his own and kept his crown.
The point standing for the event was:
- Brandon Harding – 447.5
- Steven Ramphal – 446.5
- Osbert Cain aka Vintage – 413.5
- Jumo Primo – 395
In keeping with tradition, the night before the battle for the Soca monarchy was the showdown for the Calypso Crown, which saw competitor Mighty Believer coming out on top with his tune, ‘Guyana must be a Paradise’. His song focused mainly on Guyana’s worth and the potential it has that is now being discovered.
Coming in at second was Young Bill Rogers with his song ‘No Third Term’ and third place went to Diana Chapman with her song ‘The Killing of another woman’.
Much like the Soca Monarch, some had their own view who should have ascended the Calypso throne, however, the Judges’ decision is always final.
Today, the finalists in the Chutney Song Competition are facing off at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground in Region Two. This year, the lone female participant ‘Amrita’ is planning to sweep the crown from under the feet of all the other contestants with her catchy song ‘Dulaha Dulahin’ which captures the ‘Dulahin’, meaning the bride, final moments before she leaves her parent’s home.
This year’s Chutney Monarch will take home $1M, while the runner-up will receive $600,000, those in third and fourth place will receive $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.
Nikosi Bruce
Images: Vishwanauth Babulall