Junior Soca and Calypso competitors give sneak preview
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLy4hWPq2iQ” width=”100%” height=”315″]
DPI, Guyana, Monday, January 21, 2019
Several Junior Soca and Calypso contestants on Sunday gave a sneak preview ahead of the February 2 finals to be hosted at the Bartica Community Centre in Region Seven.
During the rehearsal show held at the Georgetown Seawall Bandstand, newcomers and veterans alike shared their expectations for this competition with the Department of Public Information.
Reigning Junior Soca Monarch Dexter Copeland said that while he had not met the other contenders “I know everyone will bring their A-game when it is time to step on the stage…Last year was crazy, so this year we will bring the steam again.” With a song dubbed ‘Energy’, Copeland said he hopes to “bring the fire” and so much more when he is on stage.
First-ever Junior Soca Monarch, Copeland won with his song ‘Feel the Vibes’ and now with this year’s song ‘Energy’ hopes that his fans will not only support him but others in the competition.
Reigning Junior Calypso Monarch Jovinski Thorne said that this year’s competition is no different for him, as he aims to highlight a serious issue in today’s society through his song “What kind of man are you?”.
“I am here to put my voice out there in support of the women who went through and are going through abusive relationships…the reason why we wrote this song is because women are going through this and men as well, so we have to think about the examples we are setting for the young people,” Thorne hopes that by highlighting this issue in his song, it will help reduce such incidents.
Kevon Roach a participant in the Junior Soca Monarch competition said this year is his second time and while last year was not his year, he is more confident going into the competition with his song “You are on Fire”. “Since last year and now I have put in a lot of work and trained in several areas … so. I am a bit more confident than I was last year.”
Jamal Stewart another participant in the Junior Calypso category said he was excited about going on stage and performing his song “Miss May old car engine”.
“I am very confident that I will be able to take home the title this year…I cannot wait to show everyone what I have to offer,” he added.
Following the Junior Soca and Calypso competitions on February 2, patrons will be able to see the adult competitors on February 8 at the Banks Calypso Semi-Final at Union No. 53 Village Community Centre.
Neola Damon.
Images: Jules Gibson and Ackeem Thomas.