Lil Rick too opts out of Trini contest

THE BAJAN INVASION at the International Soca Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago is now down two men.

Since Sweet Soca Monarch Edwin Yearwood and Party Monarch Lil Rick are the reigning local champions, both were automatically entered into the semi-finals of the competition which takes place in Trinidad. Both, however, have decided not to compete.

Management for Edwin and Lil Rick confirmed that they were focusing their efforts elsewhere.

“He decided to concentrate on performance opportunities within the traditional and non-traditional markets, our local endorsements and preparing for Crop Over 2017,” Lil Rick’s manager Ruel Ward said.

He said the Hypa Dawg was hopeful of performing in places such as Africa, Asia, Australia, Spain, Belize and Mexico.

Both men have patriotic songs: Lil Rick with Iz A Bajan and Edwin with Home Sweet Home.

Ingrid Holder, of Edwin’s management team, said he was not interested in tweaking the song to suit the Trindadian scene.

Other local acts slated to compete are Peter Ram (Good Morning), Marzville (Bang Bim) and King Bubba (Calling In Sick), Marvay (Know The Face) and Biggie Irie (Money Well Spent).

Biggie Irie said he would be in Port of Spain for the competition.

Marvay’s management confirmed his participation and said he was humbled, petrified and excited as it was his first time in the competition.

Efforts to reach Peter Ram, Marzville and King Bubba were unsuccessful up to press time. (TSG)