Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!

Sometimes winning isn't everything! Winning makes you feel good and may even have a monetary reward and a title attached to it, but being the people's champion is even sweeter! He is the man who delivered Carnival Tabanca, something many of you reading this are experiencing right now. "Carry It" may have placed second for the Road March competition, but what is even better is the fact that it has become an anthem that will continue with fans for the rest of the year! Today we feature  Bunji performing his hit song at PREStige Fete to reminisce a little as you get ready for Carnival Lagniappe. 

 

Bunji had the crowd going, and this was in the early days of the fête season. He not only delivered a stellar performance; he had the revelers in a frenzy. We express our gratitude to Trini Jungle Juice for creating this video, which perfectly captures the Viking of Soca at his peak. 

 

The carnival is over, but the memories linger. We are confident that placing second to Machel Montano will not deter Bunji, and we do hope that he continues to compete regardless of the circumstances and problems with those in charge of and holders of 'fair play' to keep competitions legitimate.  

 

As you continue to celebrate Bunji's successes, and if you did not see the performance, we hope that you can share in the magic and relive the moment as Bunji continues to "Carry It" for all his fans. We do believe that this song will be heard at various Caribbean Carnivals for the rest of the year and that it has a special place in the hearts of Soca music lovers all over the world.  As Bunji continues to inspire and uplift through his music, we encourage everyone to embrace the joy and energy that his performances bring. Together, let's keep the spirit of celebration alive and support our local artists as they shine on both national and international stages.

 

After Trinidad and Tobago's carnival, you may have missed some pleasant surprises. For this post, we are featuring the performance of Kern Summerville and The Sensational Band's performance for Brass Bacchanal on Carnival Monday Night. The previous night featured the Dimanche Gras show, where the King and Queen of the bands and the event of the night, the Calypso Monarch, were selected. After that came J'ouvert and Monday Mas. Monday Mas is for anyone and everyone to go out there with a band or just take to the streets and have fun. After the day's events, tired feet head home to rest for Carnival Tuesday. Now is that it? Absolutely not! On Monday night, at the performing stage erected behind the North Stand was the resurgence of a part of Trinidad Carnival that some of us may have forgotten... Brass—O—Rama, or as it is now labeled, Brass Bacchanal.

 

Remember, back in the day, brass vibes infused Calypso music. But wait—festivals and mas on the road always had a brass band playing sweet music. Then, without anyone noticing, DJs on trucks replaced the brass and steel bands for music on the road. Even worse, brass bands disappeared for feting events in favor of DJs and the newly minted Soca music. This year, we are experiencing a resurgence; Calypso music is once again gaining popularity! Indeed, the resurgence of brass in the music signals the return of brass vibes! The event on Monday night was promising overall, although it began shakily as some bands needed to refine their performances and enhance the sound quality of their instruments. But before you get disappointed, we want you to know that they came through and saved the evening just before the Internet feed 'crashed." This occurred when half of the scheduled bands had already performed. We cannot comment on what we did not witness, nor did we stream the second half of the show. The word is that WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM digitally recorded the event to be shown at a later date. 

 

As mentioned, when Kern Summerville and The Sensational Band took the stage and warmed up before their performance, playing Merchants "Be Careful" (yuh got tuh be careful) with vocals by Chuck Gordon, the vibe of the event changed. The quality of the brass music was excellent, and they electrified the evening's proceedings. It was wonderful! Then came their main performance, where they dazzled by playing Machel Montano's "Bet Meh." 

 

Kern Summerville and The Sensational Band not only played excellent music, but they also added to the evening presentation with a skit on stage showing the cast betting to add life to the song of choice, "Bet Meh!" After the live stream abruptly stopped, my desire to hear more increased, but then the feed crashed! The vibe will not be the same listening after the actual event, but if the bands live up to expectations with sweet music, then the sadness of not being able to experience the event on that night will  be negated. Let the music play, and let's ensure that brass music remains a part of our Carnival culture. 

1. Helon Francis—To Whom It May Be
2. Kurt Allen aka The Last Bardjohn of Calypso—Your Turn Now
3. Akhenaton Lewis aka Yung Bredda—We Rise
4. Karene Asche aka The Calypso Princess—A Leader
5. Machel Montano aka MM—Bet Meh
6. Roderick Gordon aka Chuck Gordon—Look Tuh Press
7. Duane Ta’zyah O’Connor, aka Ta’zyah O’Connor—Kaiso to D World
8. Terri Lyons aka Terri—Ask Yuh Man
9. Samraj Jaimungal aka Rikki Jai—Kaiso Chutney
10. Anthony La Fleur aka Squeezy Rankin—Justice
11. Rosalyn Reid Hayes aka Roslyn—Sing it in Kaiso
12. Ann Marie Parks Kojo aka Twiggy—65 and Still Relevant

Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!

 

The finals will be a fascinating night of amazing performances. As we await the artist's date with destiny, one can only wonder what song Machel will sing to defend his title. Will it be "Bet Meh" from the Tilden Hall Riddim, or will he surprise everyone and sing a calypso version of his very popular song "Pardy"? We have to wait to see how this all unfolds. 

 

For those "bush judges" who overindulge in stage presentations, remember that this segment of the judging value only accounts for 10 points. On the night of the finals, the competition will be fiercely competitive. They may need to make immediate adjustments to their performance to overthrow the reigning champion, Machel Montano, who consistently delivers exceptional performances. 

 

There is no doubt that it will be an unforgettable night! Will Machel Montano reign as the calypso monarch once again, or will Yung Bredda, the crowd favorite, emerge victorious from this fiercely competitive field of contestants?

 

The artists selected to challenge Machel Montano for the Calypso Monarch 2025 are as follows: