Skip to playerSkip to main content
CCNTV6
  • 10 months ago
A positive step. That's how some people within the music industry are viewing the approach taken to the Ultimate Soca Champion competition.


TV6 News solicited feedback following a Press Conference detailing how the show will be executed.


Alicia Boucher has the details.
Transcript
00:00The Ultimate Soka Champion competition, set to take off on February 20th, is being well
00:05received at this time, especially in light of the difference in approach taken to it
00:10when compared with the International Soka Monarch. Kevon Heath, known as Yankee Boy,
00:15is ready to give it a chance.
00:17Because this was something I was fighting for, something I went on a hunger strike for.
00:21I mean, I understand we didn't get the date, which was the fantastic Friday, but I also
00:26understand this is something new, and something that is brand new. So, they want to start
00:31over fresh on their own platform, and a person like me who understands marketing like marketing,
00:36this is something I want to be a part of, and I think every artist should want to be
00:39a part of. Even if you're new and you're upcoming, it doesn't matter.
00:43He says artists usually face challenges in showcasing their talent regionally and internationally,
00:49and the packaging of the show for these audiences is an invaluable aspect.
00:54Wesley Sedonia Hoyt believes a void was created when the International Soka Monarch was abolished.
01:00We've been here waiting on this competition to really arrive again. You understand what
01:05I'm saying? So, we sat and we're ready. We're in that mood, and we really want to come forward
01:13and showcase our talent in the competition.
01:16Music producer David Millian, commonly known in the industry as Mill Beats, is optimistic
01:21about the youth element of the competition. He tells us for the past two years, he's made
01:26an investment in the youth through a label formed for them based on an assignment he
01:31was given by Dexter Black Stewart before his passing.
01:35It's a nice pleasure to know that Roman and them are bringing in the 16 to 25 category,
01:40because my concern was how I will introduce them in the middle of the seasoned artists.
01:45So, that for me is what stands out. I love the vocal coaching side of it as well. I love
01:50that they're going to introduce the business side. So, for me, this is more than just making
01:54money. It's about improving and investing in the culture.
01:58One of Millian's artists, 21-year-old Janiah Leifer, plans on auditioning. She says getting
02:05constructive criticism or support for growth isn't always forthcoming when it comes to
02:10artists who are new to the industry.
02:13Any particular aspect of the competition from what you heard that you're looking forward
02:16to apart from winning, obviously, because everybody wants that.
02:19Honestly, I really am looking forward to everything because I'm excited for the vocal exercises.
02:26I'm excited to get the dancers because, oh gosh, I'm just excited to just put a performance
02:32out there and do the best that I can because it really, really and truly is what I love
02:37to do.
02:38Israel Alrey, who goes by the subrookay iSoul, appreciates the artist development aspect
02:44of the competition, but he believes the chance to perform at an international music festival,
02:49which is one of the perks for the winner, could be further expanded.
02:52If it is the way we incorporate at least a spot in each carnival across the globe for
02:59the ultimate champion to be present, at least have a performance in each carnival across
03:05the globe, it would help to build soca music as a genre globally.
03:12Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
Be the first to comment
Add your comment