Festivals Minister Daryll Matthew Discusses Changes to Party Monarch Competition
Festivals Minister Daryll Matthew provided an overview of recent changes to the Party Monarch competition format during a news conference held today, reflecting on the successes and challenges faced during this year’s events.
Minister Matthew began by acknowledging the modifications made to two significant competitions: the Calypso Monarch and the Soca Monarch.
“The public may be aware that we made some changes to two of our key competitions,” he stated. “The Calypso Monarch became a one-song competition, and the Soca Monarch was consolidated into one competition, rather than the previous two separate contests for Groovy and Jumpy Soca.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Reflecting on the execution of these events, Minister Matthew expressed his satisfaction. “I believe that they were both very well-executed events. I want to congratulate the champions of those two events.”
Addressing the Soca Monarch specifically, he praised the participation of young artists, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in junior competitions.
“The participation of our young artists was absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “It shows what planning for the future can result in. The confidence manifested on stage is largely due to their participation in junior competitions.”
Minister Matthew urged the public to continue supporting junior Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions. “I want to encourage all of Antigua and Barbuda to continue supporting the junior Calypso and junior Soca Monarch competitions.”
Discussing the changes made to the Soca Monarch competition, Minister Matthew acknowledged the feedback received from the public.
“The Soca Monarch event was changed from two competitions – Jumpy and Groovy – into one event. I believe it’s fair to say, and I’m saying this without having consulted with anybody on my team, that we may have to revisit the one competition format.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
He noted that the Groovy artists seemed to be overshadowed by their Jumpy counterparts. “The overwhelming sentiment is that the Groovy artists really get overshadowed by the Jumpy part of the competition. We will have to have a discussion before next Carnival to see how we can properly structure the competition. It may not necessarily be back to two competitions, but we need to ensure that all artists who produce Groovy music are recognized and their music is appreciated in a competition format.”
Minister Matthew highlighted this as a key takeaway from the event. The Ministry of Festivals will be reviewing the competition structure to better support and showcase all participating artists.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Watch him below at the news conference:
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
This was the worst carnival I have ever experienced.
Look out for the music from Sponge Bobb theme song to win road march and soca monarch. Mediocrity is what is being rewarded in this place.
I personally think that for the Calypso Monarch we should go back to the original format whereas the competitor’s are asked to perform two songs. One being of a Social Commentary and the second one of the Spirit of Carnival. I. The past this format worked. It wasn’t broke so no need for fixing was necessary. Remember 1979.in my opinion one of the greatest Calypso shows ever in Antigua.
Comments are closed.