The 2020 592 carib soca Monarch produced the expected spectacle representing all the grandiose of Guyana’s 50^th Republic Jubilee celebration. It was a night of onstage artistry in motion featuring dramatizations, choreography, cultural subliminal messages and even a little political satire, as performers brought the fire proverbially and literally with confetti, balloons, lighted costumes and even fireworks in an effort to impress the audience and judges alike.  The expertly talented field of performers delivered a magnificent show that enthralled the Packed Durban Park audience while creating a most unenviable position for the esteemed judging panel.

The first performances of the evening was a brilliant vocal and artistic show from Vizion Sounds’ kady Kish. In keeping with the theme of her song “Soca my Religion she took to the stage in an angelic all white ensemble that presented her as a “Soca Angel”. She started the performance with a slow acoustic opening showcasing her vocal prowess. Kady Kish’s brilliant performance definitely set the tone for the rest of the performances as each of the competitors brought their A Game.  Some standouts included Lill Red who sang his heart out and surprised the audience in a performance that featured his all red attire and messages of love and harmony.

 

Diana Chapman also brought the fire with a show stopping performance of her hit song “Man shortage” where she addressed fellow performers and predicted herself to be the new Soca Monarch.

 

There was some onstage motor cycling from Mr. “Get on bad” DJ Avalanche whose performance culminated with an exciting dance piece from veteran Granny Ivlaw whose always exciting dance routine went to higher levels literally to include gyration while suspended from the rafters’  that was absolutely chilling.

The top five performers however, included the visually impaired Relon Sumner who did not let his disability stop him from delivering an absolutely brilliant performance. He had arguably the best crowd involvement and reaction of the evening and had the crowd chanting ‘uptop’ even after he was announced as the 5^th place winner and best new comer.

Berbice Police officer, Vintage also had a big moment finishing fourth with a performance that included a wining police man his smooth tantalizing vocals and messages of peace, love. The high point of his performance however saw him addressing the narrative as regards to policing in Guyana.

Claiming the third place was the fitness queen Malissa Roberts AKA Vanila who relied on her professional dance training and fitness to deliver an energetic performance.  She brought the grandiose of the Jubilee with fireworks, confetti, balloons, a spirited African inspired dance and a poetic dramatization from the proclaimed future of the 592. Vanilla’s performance was lauded for many reason including her costuming genius. The display included white skirted dancer who would later reveal flag coloured costumes and vanilla herself in a lighted Guyana angel costume.

For a second consecutive year, second place was rewarded to Steven Ramphal for his grand and exceptional performance. Clad in royalty inspired attire, he produced quite the spectacle. The team Unity advocate’s performance featured his characteristic messages of love and unity demonstrated through some political satire. An elaborate stage décor and celebrative fireworks completed Ramphal’s theatrical masterpiece but was not enough to claim the 2020 monarch.

 

In the end however it was the multiple monarch winner Jumo Primo who trampled his competitors to capture yet another victory, in what was arguably the most competitive Soca monarch in Guyanese history. Jumo, a Guyanese Soca legend in his own right, tapped into his experience to deliver the monarch winning performance. With the help of the some very special friends including famed religious leader Kester D and some ‘differently abled persons’ he addressed the issue of discrimination and advocated for universal love.

 

Returning Monarch Brandon Harding unfortunately didn’t retain his title but received a special people’s choice 94.1 award. Though the historic triple monarch victory evaded him, Brandon won many hearts with a cordial display of sportsmanship as he graciously congratulated each of the top five performers and was even seen trampling side by side with the new monarch Jumo Primo in his emotional victory lap performance.

Caribbean Entertainment Hub wishes to congratulate Jumo on his win as well all the other performers for delivering a magnificent show.