Soca Monarch 2021!

No Carnival??? Well, the authorities could cancel the State funded competitions and parades with no instruction being given to the President this year for the proclamation of Carnival to be issued, but that approach ignores the fact that Carnival is not derived from the State, it originates with the people. With that being said, Carnival 2021 took on a VERY different appearance and those adamant about creatively affording it the respect it deserves, found ways to honour the traditions, including our now beloved institution of Fantastic Friday and the International Soca Monarch Competition.

Dubbed ‘The Monarch’ for 2021 since closed borders could not facilitate the international aspect of the competition, the Producers of the show ensured that the packaged product enjoyed by millions in the captive audiences all over the world, had a polished aesthetic and captured the vibrancy of soca music. A lot of work went into the production by every person involved behind the camera and every single competitor. After a successful screen test, I was thrilled to be invited to co-host what I considered to be a historic instalment of the competition, not least of all because I would once again be privileged to wear the gorgeous designs of Zadd and Eastman! It was a fun week working with the team which culminated on Fantastic Friday as a new Monarch was crowned. It was a tight competition so Ola and Farmer really dueled, but Farmer took the coveted title. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have to shout out the amazing glam squad that kept the looks pure fire! I can only hope to work with the team again in the future!