The Yello International Bashment Soca Monarch Competition has seen the highest number of entries in its third year.
Since rebranding the contest to include for the first time entrants worldwide, 4D Entertainment is pleased with the direction of the competition and the response from the artistes from Barbados and the rest of the world to this initiative.
“We have seen the most entries submitted this year and this shows the interest in the competition and the growth of this art form,” said Rudy Maloney, director of 4D Entertainment. “We have received submissions from St Vincent, St Lucia, Trinidad, Belize, The United States and even as far away as England and Scotland.”
While not giving any figures, Maloney stated there had also been a number of new entrants into the competition locally, such as Lil Rick, Crimeson, Jagwa The Champ, Porgie and Murda and Natalee to name a few.
From St Lucia comes Freezy; Dynamite from St Vincent; Lava Man from Grenada; and Salty from Trinidad.
Voting starts Wednesday
With entries closing last Friday, the judges now have to choose the best 24 songs as semi-finalists, and those songs will be announced on Tuesday, June 12. The public can begin voting for their favourite to reach the finals from Wednesday, June 13.
Voting takes place in 18 islands across the Caribbean and the wider world wherever the Find Yello Mobile App is downloaded.
The Yello International Bashment Soca Monarch Competition takes place in Barbados on Friday, July 6, at Kensington Oval. With the total cash prize at $125 000, the winner takes all grand prize is $80 000. (NS)
