Jumo"Rubber Waist" Primo

In what can be termed a surprise to some patrons of the 2012 Carib Soca Monarch Finals, Jumo"Rubber Waist" Primo Sunday morning walked away with the coveted Carib Soca Monarch prize of $1.5M for his spectacular performance at the National Park.

The runners up are Linden's George Anthony Abrams; who came in second and who also copped the prize for highest scoring newcomer; followed in third position by Adrian Dutchin. Though he is the recipient of over $500,000, when his name was announced as the second runner-up, Abrams looked none too pleased as he, along with his entourage from Linden, was expecting to cop the top spot.

George Anthony Abrams

The competition began at approximately 11:00pm at which time the stage was graced with the "unexpected but expected" presence of the duo Mysterious and Tropical Guys whose act portrayed a news report that they were involved in an accident and as such would not be able to make it to perform. A while later the same "newscast announced that the duo would beat all odds to perform "Regardless" of their condition. On cue the two were brought in via ambulance and were seen entering the stage dressed in bandages, and accompanied by fireworks and balloons; four of which were released as a tribute to the departed "Fathers of the Nation" - Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and Walter Rodney. Their performance, which was well received by the audience, set the scene for an evening filled with exuberance and surprise acts by the other contestants that followed.

Immediately after the duo, a patriotic Adrian Dutchin appeared onstage preceded at first by a series of boo's from the audience. Dutchin was decked out in a white military suit, trimmed with the five colours of the Golden Arrowhead, and accompanied by dancers outfitted to represent the six races along with men on stilts. His surprise came in the form of men outfitted in the uniforms of Guyana's Golden Jaguars football team. Though he engaged the crowd on being a proud "Guyanese" and garnered their response, this popular artiste was given a lukewarm sendoff, similar in a sense to the welcome he received after being announced onstage.

Next was the well-loved and now popular "African Moods", performed by Granny Ivelaw. Fully equipped with a homely scene; complete with living room and television, and kitchen and its accompaniments, Ivelaw's act depicted a nagging husband lamenting his "Moods"-crazed wife who neglected to perform her matrimonial duties. During his performance the popular actor/dancer gave the audience a glimpse of what was to be expected come Mash Day, in the form of an Afro-cultural dance.

Following Granny Ivelaw's performance, patrons were given a surprising and somewhat heart shaking treat as Wilburg B52 Levans; a fireman by profession, entered on a fire truck and was transported above the audience towards the cordoned-off stage via the hydraulic fire ladder. His act was accompanied by firemen on stilts and fire-bearing backup men who converged on the roof. As he sang his piece "Highly Flammable", Levans was soon accompanied by a beautifully attired "Fire angel" of sorts. He was given a reasonable sendoff by the crowd.

Beverly “Little B” Smith was next with "Down de Road", and she appeared with a Mash entourage and band, and decked in a yellow two-piece Mashramani costume. Though her energy was good, Little B proved not to be much of a crowd favorite, as the audience was cool.

Sweet Kendingo (We Going Till Morning) and Young Bill Rogers (Behind a Band)once again failed to appeal much to the crowd, with their acts that entailed persons dining on Church's Chicken and Carib Beer and a mini Mash band, respectively. Kendingo fittingly appeared onstage at minutes after midnight and at the end of his act threw a few cans of beer into the audience.

Adrian Dutchin

Rubber Waist was next in line with his anticipated " One People One Nation One Destiny" song. He did not disappoint as during his performance he paused and had the crowd's undivided attention on the big screen with a speech from former Guyanese President Forbes Burnham expounding on the importance of every race in Guyana.

Soca Monarch 2010 King, Bones Man followed Jumo with "Republic Day". In his act, the monarch stated his intention to keep the crown and engaged the crowd for awhile on the true importance and significance of the Soca Monarch.

Next came George Anthony Abrams' "Lime Tomato Celery Seasoning, Wine Attack". A definite crowd pleaser, the young performer was at first forced to restart his act, as the mike he was given unexpectedly went dead. Nevertheless, amidst some shouts of "sabotage", Abrams returned with even more energy and totally won over the crowd, who went on roaring even after he had left the stage. It can be said the he gained the most response from the very hard to please crowd, but this apparently was not enough to earn him the crown.

Policeman Roger Rowen was next and he too was accompanied by a fire-tender.He awed the crowd during his performance when he was lifted off the stage by the fire tender’s hydraulic ladder and suspended in the air directly above the crowd, where he performed the rest of his act.

As was the case during the semi finals in Linden, Jonathan Lil Red King failed to capture the crowd's approval as he sang "hold me tight" and was accompanied by dancers who portrayed what can only be termed as vulgarity to the highest.

Though she failed to earn a place among the winners, Melissa Vanilla Roberts proved that she was an African queen in her own right through her outfit and portrayal of her African culture. Her act was preceded by an entourage depicting an African slave ship and the sound of slaves being beaten along with their screams of pain. Vanilla was dressed in royal purple and gold African wear and her dancers in animal-toned costumes.                             

The final competitor was King Shepherd Semple with "Wuk Up On It". His act was totally won over by the audience as they roared at his long-awaited appearance. He too did not disappoint, as he had the stage equipped with seats fit for a king and queen (in which he and his lady from England sat), complete with dancers. His dancers however can be deemed a bit vulgar as they all attempted to out "dancehall/dutty wine" each other.

The contestants were again judged for their lyrics, construction of song, lyrical performance, intonation, melody, originality, party appeal, stage presentation, stage performance, and crowd response. Judging the competition were Shawn Bhola, DJ Rocky Carew, Margaret Lawrence, Winston Zar Ceasar, acting Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene, Major General Robert Burns, Barbadian Musical Producer Denis Ward, and Chief Judge Lennox Canterbury.

The performers were accompanied by the lyrical and talented Heat Wave Band and the show was hosted by dancer/model Leslyn Lashley and Chow Pow.

An award ceremony for the winners will be held on Wednesday February 22 at 10am at Ansa McAl Trading Limited.