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Groovy Soca Monarch / International Soca Monarch 2007
Date: Friday 16th February 2007
Location: Hasley Crawford National Stadium. Trinidad
Promotions: Caribbean Prestige Foundation
Click on thumbnails to see the big picture/entire gallery

The evening was nice. Actually hold up… we lie. It started off quite hectic! (lol) No where to park, traffic jam just to get into the Hasely Crawford Stadium, detailed airport type security checks (all persons entering were searched right down to their shoes) and of course, in typical Trini fashion, the show started a little late. It however worked in our favor though, as the venue was so big that it took us some time to get organized and settled in. After the National Anthem, there was a huge display of fire works which lasted for a good 5 minutes at least. In the stadium, the fire works lit up the faces of many patrons, and Team TJJ even managed to get a couple shots of the display all the way from the hills of Maraval. Great job Fire One Fire Works!

The show then immediately kicked off with a performance from 2007 Junior Soca Monarch Young Marcel (Marcel Bennett), who heated up the stage for all the upcoming contestants. Bajan Queen Alison Hinds, another guest act then came on and helped get the show rolling as well. "Roll It" gyal …roll it! With all those back up dancers, she showed all the men why they must take "Caution". One of the night’s MCs even commented saying that Ms. Hinds opened a spare parts place on de stage. She had more bumpa there than in de bamboo!

For the 2007 Groovy Soca Monarch finals we had our first contestant, Blackie performing his hit song "Confessions". Dressed in all black, he was backed by women in white long sleeve shirts and black ¾ pants with white gloves and hat to match. Even de man who made a tack back was on de stage with a big '3 line' in hand.

Following his performance, Blazer Dan performed his tune "Be Mine Tonight". Blazer dressed in white serenaded a sexy lady dressed in red asking her to be his tonight. The performance also had the backing of some sexy women and male background dancers. Seeing that this is Blazer's first competition within the last couple years, many were hoping for him to earn a top place in this competition.

Nnika Francis representing straight out of Grenada was up next. She came down and sang her heart out with her song was entitled “Don't Let Me Go.” We are sure after that performance nearly any man would never let her go again :-) Wonderful job Nnika.

2006 Synergy Soca Star Fireball came down with his Soca-opera for the hit tune "What I Want” from The Greatest Riddim. His skit went with the theme “Phantom Of The Opera” and he came out in a red cape which was soon removed revealing his white suit with red trimmings. He had a good performance and the crowd reacted well seeing that most knew the song or at least the KFC jingle to it.

Our boy from Barbados, Biggie Irie came up next performing his 2006 Crop Over release "Nah Going Home". We not gonna lie, he come good. His performance was loved and even before the end, some were saying that he might take the title. We will let the judges decide. TJJ will be looking forward to bigger and better things from Biggie in the near future.

Now the "Caribbean Girl" Nadia Batson brought out a great presentation this year. A real Caribbean vibe. Up to a coconut vendor selling some ice cold nuts was on stage. She also had a huge onstage cast all dressed in bright colors with straw hats and all. Nadia’s powerful and sweet voice complimented with lovely presentation definitely could put her in the race for Monarch winner as well.

After her performance we began to cold sweat. Probably because the lovable lunatic Crazy had some women armed with water guns wetting de crowd. Crazy came out and sat down in what looked like an electric chair as some sexy women put a wine or two on him. Not too much of an elaborate performance but his song "Cold Sweat" was definitely one of the favorites for the 2007 Carnival season. This could possibly give him de edge needed to take the title.

Tobagoian born Shurwayne Winchester came out trying to defend his crown with his hit song "Alequa". Known for putting on both a spectucalur presentation and energetic performance, Shurwayne didn’t disappoint. With the assistance of The Alternative Quartet and some graceful East Indian dancers, he definitely gave it to them like the song says. Let's see if he can once again take the Groovy title.

In position #9 was the young and talented Patrice Roberts singing "Sugar Boy". She actually had some 'sugar boys' on stage in some ying pants and those farmer hats. The presentation was not what we thought it would be, but it turned out actually good. Her fantastic voice of course adding to it.

Mr. Chucky came to "Turn Around" the show (pun intended) and by the crowd's reaction, it seemed like her was close to winning it too! His presentation was good, but needed a little something extra to make it superb. Better luck next time bro.

Winer boy Terry Seals and Michelle Sylvester seduced the crowd with their 2k7 hit song "Seduction" (also featuring Michelle Xavier). We are still wondering when would Michelle Sylvester take back the Groovy crown? Next year maybe??!! 2007 brought in a new Synergy Soca Star by the name of Umi Marcano. "Move That Body" featuring Mr. Chuck is ah real hot song. We remember hearing de tune for the first time and thinking.... wow this is nice. It was a decent presentation with the dancers and everything. Job well done for a first timer Umi.

Now that concluded Groovy Soca Monarch, and it was time for what everyone has been waiting for.... the Power Soca competition so people could jump, wave and get on bad. Before the 2nd half of the show kicked off, guest artist KMC with his Red, White & Black band got the crowd heated up. And things got real hot when reggae sensation Beenie Man joined KMC to perform the remix to "Carnival Story".

In position #1 of the International Power Soca Monarch competition, Mr. Slaughter came to "Spread The Love", and that is just what he did. "Soca in meh vain.... Soca in meh blood..." A little while after Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez came down to let the people know that for this Carnival Monday and Tuesday we all need to find a place, "Make Ah Stage (MAS)" and move! It was a great presentation at that, and you know Fay Ann was looking as sexy as the year before dressed up in a hot carnival costume.

Now one of our favorite songs for this season is "Light It Up" and that was Patrice Roberts selection for the 2k7 Soca Monarch, trying to make her way to take the crown. Wonderful performance and stage presentation. 2006 Crop Over Road March King Barry Chandler came all the way from Barbados to flame the stage (singing "Flames") at the National Stadium with yet another great presentation for the night.

Nadia Batson was up next. Gracing the stage for the 2nd time for the night, she this time performed her song featuring Kees, "My Land". This was one of our favorites not only for the Soca Monarch title, but for Road March'07. Following Nadia's performance, the man formally known as Iwer George came and showed the world that "Mashin Up Fete" is his name as he partied all over the stage. Jumping to "Fete After Fete" after fete after fete and taking home the bMobile Internatioal Soca Monarch crown for 2007.

After that yuh know we have to "Eat Ah Food". So JW AND Blaze (RED 97.7FM family) came on and pelt some food in de crowd while performing their tune. Now when the crowd saw the KFC delivery bike on stage with chicken, a few folks thought it was coming their way and decided to pelt back the food on stage not knowing the KFC wasn't for them (lol). We loved that presentation.

All of a sudden this HUGE gate appeared on stage as Shurwayne came with his crew to mash "Open The Gate" trying to defend another title. Unfortunately for the talented Winchester, he lost the title to Iwer after the gates were officially closed and results tallied.

Looked at meh pants.... "Dutty", look at meh shoes .... "Dutty" .... look at meh t-shirt.... "Dutty" ah even looked at you... "Dutty". The man Blaxx came with his dutty crew and powder posse. Remember yuh cyah mas mas if yuh fraid powder!! Now Minmi representing Soca music all the way in the far East came with her Japanese winer girls and show Trinidad that they can wine and even dutty wine and split to... allyuh going Japan soon eh??!! (lol) Overall, Minmi had a good stage presentation and got a great crowd response for "Sha Na Na (Japanese Wine)".

Now in position #11, Ms. "Bicycle Wine" Denise Belfon came on and showed us how to ride not only a bicycle, but a tricycle along with Grenadian artist Spontaneous. What ah sight to see. Following that very entertaining display, we heard "Yip yip yip ... Uh huh uh huh." Yes, Mr. Olatunji Yearwood came on stage and got wild with his 2007 hit "Get Wild". It was a funny presentation as Olatunji came out in a baby stroller. Or as we say in Trini, ah pram!

Overall the 2007 Bmobile Groovy & International Soca Monarch Finals were both great competitions, where all man (and woman if yuh want to get politically correct) fend for themselves. Machel Montano HD was the last guest artist on the night, and were joined on stage by Mr. Vegas and the Dr. Beenie Man. TJJ had ah time and we are definitely looking forward to next year! Who knows, perhaps I will bend my luck and see if I can even make it to the finals!! ;-)

On behalf of Trini Jungle Juice, this is your boy Khaos Belfon thanking all of you for coming out. For those of you driving, please remember to be cautious about drinking and driving. THINK!

>> View Official Results of the 2007 Bmobile Groovy & International Soca Monarch Finals

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Related Galleries
Groovy Soca Monarch / International Soca Monarch 2006
TnT Carnival 2007 Coverage
TnT Carnival 2006 Coverage