PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Machel Montano walked away with the two million dollar first prize in the International Soca Monarch competition yesterday as Carnival celebrations continue in Trinidad and Tobago.
Montano, who last year shared the multi-million dollar prize with Super Blue Austin Lyons, overcame stiff competition from the Grenadian artiste, Hollice Mr Kill@ Mapp whose popular tune Rolly Polly, was good enough for a three-way tie in second position.
Mapp tied with the Trinidadian artistes Destra Garcia and Newil Iwer George who sang Mash UP and Mama Oye, respectively.
In the Groovy section of the competition, Kerwin Du Bois swept aside Montano, the defending champion into second position with his tune Too Real, while Montano sang Happiest Man Alive.
Darryl Farmer Nappy Henry placed third with his tune Big People Party while Garcia took the fourth position with her tune First Time.
The International Soca Monarch competition dubbed Fantastic Friday, saw participants from Barbados in Biggie Irie, Grenada and as far as Japan.
The Carnival activities continue today with the Panorama competition where the winner will receive one million dollars.
Among the contenders are Petrotrin Phase 11 Pan Groove, Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars and Republic Bank Exodus.
All Stars is seeking its ninth Panorama title while Exodus is in search of its fifth title.
Former winners PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars, BP Renegades and Witco Desperadoes are also seeking to regain the top spot in the competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah that will also stage the finals of the Calypso Monarch competition tomorrow night.
