LONG BEFORE the winner was announced, a group of vocal and very partisan supporters in the front row at Kensington Oval, began shouting ‘Teri’.
They were completely convinced Teri Sparkle T Williams-Niles had won the 13 to 18 category of this year’s Scotiabank Junior Monarch.
By the time MC Carl Alff Padmore made it official, that group had grown in number and volume, waving flags of the Caribbean nations as they screamed themselves hoarse.
Sparkle T tallied 86 points for the self-penned This Golden Chain, standing out from the rest of the field, according to the judges.
De Overcomer, with Save A Child was second on 78 points, two more than defending champion De MC, who laid down a very strong marker with Who Mad to open the segment.
Lady Nica was not as strong as previous performances, and had to settle for fourth on 60 points with Questions Fa De Minister (of Education Ronald Jones), who made a cameo in her video presentation, much to the delight of the audience.
Mhizz Kibabba won the 7 to 12 age group with Bring Back The Love, totalling 100 points.
Master Kei (A Child’s Plea) and Browne Star (Don’t Pressure Me) tied for second place, both earning 74 points.
Defending monarch Summa, who also won Best Soca Song performing Potholes, was fourth with 54 points. (SAT)
