Soca Monarch 2023 makes his return in 2026
AFTER STEPPING AWAY from the competitive Soca arena to further his education, 2023 Ragga Soca Monarch Javid “Jay-R” Rouse says he is ready to make his return to the stage for VincyMas 2026.The Campden Park resident, who has spent the last few years pursuing a Master’s degree in Project Management at the University of the West Indies, (The UWI), said the decision to take a break from competition was one that allowed him to focus on his personal and professional development while preparing for the next phase of his musical career.
In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Friday, June 12, 2026, Rouse reflected on his time away and explained that the period has helped him gain a renewed sense of direction and purpose.
“Now I am a little bit more focused and ready to head back on stage,” he said. The Soca bard said he is eager to once again test his talents against some of the country’s top performers. He is expected to compete in the Ragga Soca Monarch competition during VincyMas 2026 and believes the experience gained during his academic journey will benefit him on and off the stage. For Rouse, however, returning to competition is about more than simply chasing another title. He said he remains passionate about promoting Vincentian culture through music, and sees Soca as a powerful vehicle for showcasing the country’s identity to a wider audience.
The entertainer said one of his main objectives moving forward is to increase the visibility of Vincentian culture internationally, particularly within North American markets.
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