The Eastern Caribbean Explodes On The International Soca Monarch Competition

February 13, 2009 – Roseau, Dominica - Trinidad and Tobago’s audiences are readying themselves for the Eastern Caribbean – Xplosion (EC-X) that will descend on the coveted International Soca Monarch competition on Fantastic Friday.  On Friday February 20, 2009 the Eastern Caribbean’s soca heavyweights will share the stage with Trinidad and Tobago’s finest marking this year’s competition as the most prestigious in the world.

The members of the EC-X, who are all titleholders in their homelands, are eagerly anticipating their performances and the thrill of the International Soca Monarch stage.  The only female member of the group, Antiguan Claudette “CP” Peters is no foreigner to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival fever having made her mark with her 1994 hit, Something Got A Hold On Me.  She is joined by the energetic St. Lucian, Ricky T., known for his 2007 hit, Pressure Boom, and the Grenadian sibling duo, Luni Spark and Electrify, who first graced the International Soca Monarch stage last year.

This year’s prevalence of Eastern Caribbean artists in both the International Power and Groovy Soca Monarch competitions is evidence that soca music belongs to the Caribbean.  The EC-X will be joined by their Eastern Caribbean compatriots including Tizzy (Antigua), Skinny Fabulous (St. Vincent) and Zoelah (St. Vincent).  The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has demonstrated its commitment to the development of the art form and the Eastern Caribbean soca music product with the OECS Secretariat’s support of the annual Caribbean Soca Monarch Competition in St. Lucia and the OECS Export Development Unit’s support of the EC-X via funding from the European Union.  The people of the Eastern Caribbean expectantly look to the EC-X to leave their stamp on Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival.

The EC-X will assert the strength of their music and bring the energy of the OECS to the fore with CP’s fast-paced jump-up song, Bring It On, Ricky T.’s rugged, Wheel And Come Again, and Luni Spark and Electrify’s rag-waving feel-good tune, Clear The Way as they vie for the world’s ultimate soca title.