He may be small in stature, but Deano Nero’s explosive energy and larger than life performance, which won him his first ever Junior Soca Monarch crown this week, is proof that big things do in come in small packages.

Nero, a 13-year-old student of the Sandy Bay Secondary School tied with Gidroy “Deco J” Theobalds from the Central Leeward Secondary School for first place in this year’s Junior Soca Monarch competition on Tuesday, June 28 at Victoria Park.

“It feels good, exciting. It’s the first time and I been think like I can’t make it but I make it,” the young soca artiste said.

Nero was literally launched into his performance this week from a swing being swayed back and forth by two supporting members on stage, as back up singers chanted “Swingy” in time with the melody.

Despite the unstable weather conditions, the young soca artiste was able to deliver a performance of his song, “Swingy” which had patrons running from left to right, all while waving bandanas and flags, and chanting along with the performer.

He told SEARCHLIGHT he had planned to engage patrons as part of his performance and it felt good to be able to move the crowd in the way that he did.

Nero added that he was particularly proud of the delivery of his song, something he worked on with his uncle, Delanzo who also used to sing.

The 13-year-old said he’s been a soca lover for as long as he can remember and looks up to veteran soca artiste, Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper.

Nero expressed that he is already looking forward to competing in the Junior Soca competition again next year.

The third place in this year’s competition went to duo, Nickolyle Matthews and Jaelani Sandy of the JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School.

Other competitors in this year’s competition were Jonia Matthias of the Greiggs Primary School; D’Shanti Francis of the JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School; Kristell Warren of the Calder Government School and De’Andre Simmons of the St Martin’s Secondary School.