Trinidad and Tobago Merry Monarch reigned for two days as Carnival dubbed the “Greatest Show on Earth,” kicked off with Fantastic Friday, followed the next day with the crowning of the National Panorama Champion and the Calypso Monarch on Carnival Sunday night Dimanche Gras show at the Queen’s Park, Savannah, Port of Spain.
On Monday J’Ouvert revelers took the streets from early morning and later in the day the parade of the Carnival bands.
Defending champion Machel Montano became the first soca artiste to win four titles on Fantastic Friday night at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain before thousands of fans with his song “Ministry of Road.”
Montano, 39, maintained his perfect record in that format since returning to the competition in 2011.
The soca star staved off strong efforts from Grenadian star Mr. Killa and his “Rollie Pollies” (oversized-women) in a three-way tie with soca queen Destra Garcia (Mash Up) and veteran Neil “Iwer “George (Mama Pye).
Photo courtesy of Sunshine Newspaper
However, Montano was dethroned as the Groovy Soca Monarch by Canada-based Kerwin Dubois with his hit song “Too Real.”
Phase 11 Pan Groove retained their title as National Panorama champions on Saturday night at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park, Savannah beating Neal and Massy All Stars by one point (287 points). In third place was BP Renegades with 283 points.
It was the seventh national title win for Phase 11 Pan Grove. The 120-band member played master steelband arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe tune “Jump High.”
Phase 11 previously recorded back-to-back wins in l987-1988 and 2005-2006.
Pan Elders dethroned defending champion NLCB Buccooners of Tobago in the medium band category.
Photo courtesy of Sunshine Newspaper
A desert scorpion costume, “Quars Al Sahara,” portrayed by Wade Madray took the King of the Bands title, while Peola Marchan’s costume, “Zamara Mirage of the Oasis,” was the winner of the Queen of the Bands on Friday night at the Queen’s Park, Savannah, Port of Spain.
It was a repeat of 2011 when both Madray and Peola were crowned King and Queen.
Roderick “Chucky” Gordon dethroned reigning Calypso Monarch Pink Panther (Eric Taylor) to take the title at the Dimanche Gras show on Sunday night.
He sang, “Whey Yuh Think” and “Wedding of the Century.” In second place was Kurt Allen, and third was Mistak Shak (Selvon Noel).
In the other results, Brian London took the Extempo crown, Kurt Allen “Best Social Song” and Mr. Shak “Political Calypso.”
