Tensions were high last Tuesday as the finalists for the Banks Party Monarch (Powered by Hitz 106.7 FM) officially drew their performance positions. With the official running order locked in, the countdown has begun for the ultimate soca showdown, set to ignite the National Botanical Gardens, this coming Sunday on July 12th.
Behind the scenes, the stakes could not be higher as artistes quickly began recalculating their performance strategies, knowing that opening a segment or performing late in the lineup can entirely change how their execution lands with both the judges and the massive festival crowd.
Setting the stage on fire for the Power Soca segment, Shanta Prince drew the coveted number-one spot to open the entire competition. She will be followed closely by a formidable lineup of veteran heavyweights and crowd favorites, with Mikey Mercer hitting the blocks at number two, Lil Rick taking the stage at number three, and Nikita performing fourth.
The pressure will remain at a fever pitch as Mr. Blood steps up in the number-five slot. Right behind him at number six is Walkes, who expressed that he is bringing pure “excitement, activeness, and energy” to the big stage. Shaquille GFG will take the number-seven spot, leaving the Roof Deck Symphony to anchor the category in the final position.
Over in the melodic Sweet Soca category, the strategic sequence promises a completely different kind of musical battle. Leading off the segment in the number-one position is the reigning Calypso Monarch, Mr. Blood, who is pulling double duty for the night.
Following his opening performance, Saddis will take the stage at number two, with Aza drawing number three, and Khiomal filling out the number-four slot. The second half of the Sweet Soca showdown will feature Ross performing fifth, followed by the dynamic duo of SugahRhe & Freshie at number six, and Mikey Mercer making his second appearance of the night at number seven.
Closing out the Sweet Soca category and holding the final anchor position of the night is Skung Yung. His daughter, local influencer Kira P, attended the draw on his behalf and shared the family’s excitement for his return to the big stage. “This is my dad’s second time in the competition. The first time he came fourth and we were so proud of him,” she expressed. “It’s gonna be a good show.”
Notably, soca titans Michael “Mikey” Mercer and Mr. Blood emerged as the night’s ultimate double-threats, standing out as the only two artistes to successfully secure finalist spots in both the Power and Sweet Soca categories. Forcing them to balance two completely different sets of musical preparation, their placements have added an extra layer of drama to an already highly anticipated night. With the positions officially revealed, the running order is set, and Barbados is ready for an electric, unforgettable return to the Banks Party Monarch stage.
