King Konris Maynard proved to be an ‘unstoppable force,’ defeating a slew of performers to take the Soca Monarch title on Saturday, December 18.
King Konris’ “Unstoppable Force” was a fan favorite at the show, eliciting the best crowd response, according to show patrons at the Sugar Mill (Warner Park Football Stadium). The four-peat National Calypso Monarch enthralled the sizeable audience from the onset of his performance. Rolling in on a Mack truck with footballers chanting the song’s chorus, Konris grabbed the audience and held them captive for almost 13 minutes. There were plenty of dancers and other revelers onstage while the young performer jumped and danced during his rendition. King Konris garnered even more crowd reaction when he launched into the fray, calling for patrons to run to the left and right with his entourage.
Other top performers for night included Shakki Star Fire, who brought sensational color and high energy to stage during her groovy performance of “High for Carnival”. X-man’s “Food all over” was another crowd pleaser, as well as the flag-waving Mr. World with “Swing Dem,” and the high intensity rendition of “Carnival Sweet” by Rucas and CMoney.
At the end of some very memorable performances, Konris walked away with the crown and $10, 000 cash while X-man took 1st runner up, Shakki placed second, and Rucas and CMoney captured 3rd place. The other participants in the re-introduced Soca Monarch Competition were Kibbie, Hot Rod, Rico Righteous and Melbo, Eazi, Ras Kelly, Soca Samuel, Shakkal and Fyah, and Anastasia.
Saturday night’s Mas was preceded by the Best of the Rest and Female Calypso competitions, the first official shows of the Sugar Mas.
Anastasia dethroned Singing Jackie to take the Female Calypso title with a catchy political commentary “Anastasia for PM.” Singing Jackie had to settle for first runner up, while Queen Kibbie placed 2nd runner up, and her younger sister Ms. Independence placed 3rd runner up.
La La’s creative use of a mini menagerie on stage not only generated roaring laughter from the large crowd, but also helped him amass the most points to bump former Best of the Rest king Hot Rod to first runner up this year. His song, “Puppy a turn dog,” had been a hit since his calypso tent performances and the crowd chimed in for the hilarious choruses. Lord Felix, a newcomer to the Kaiso stage, was adjudged 2nd runner up.
The Sugar Mas 2K10/11 action resumes on Sunday, December 26 with the Beaumont Park’s “Boxing Day” Horse Racing followed by J’Ouvert and the Talented Teen and Junior Calypso Show on Monday, December 27.
Two of the more preeminent Carnival events, the National Queen Pageant and Senior Calypso Monarch Competition will follow on December 28 and 29, respectively. The 31st Digicel Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant will round out the week’s activities on December 30. |
