Power Soca, Ragga Soca – separate shows for VincyMas 2023

VincyMas 2023 will see a separation of the Ragga Soca and the Power Soca competitions.

Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) Ricky Adams at a press conference on April 25, said over the years the CDC has received feedback that the Soca Monarch competition is too long and they have decided to take these comments on board.

He said they have also heard from a number of the artistes some of whom could end up making up to three appearances on the same evening if they are competing in the three genres of the Calypso art form – Soca, Ragga Soca, and Calypso.

He explained that the CDC held discussions with the artistes and the decision was taken to move the Ragga Soca competition to the Friday night, alongside the Evo show which will allow for the artistes to spread their performances over three nights rather than having two performances in one night or possibly three performances in the space of 24 hours.

“…We had some discussion, we got some good feedback on it and we think that that is the way to go. The other thing that it does … there are a lot of people out there who come for the Soca Monarch, but I distinctly remember that when Funky Business was performing- which eventually won Ragga Soca monarch that year, there was hardly anybody in Victoria Park…”.

Adams pointed out that a lot of people get to the park by 10:30 p.m to witness the Power Soca competition so this will allow for the CDC to take the Ragga Soca into its independent space as it attracts its own audience and market.

“And it allows then, the Power Soca to be able to focus on that high energy event which we know is the Soca Monarch of VincyMas …”.

Adams also commented on the Rural Carnivals which may be facing limitations of venues given the ban which has been placed on the use of hard courts.

“We are in the process of getting some clarity in terms of what specifically are, and are not allowed at what particular venues.”

Adams said he is aware that a number of the Rural Carnivals have beauty pageants which are not classified as fetes. However, he said the real challenge lies with clarifying what is classified as a Calypso show.

“So we’re seeking some clarity on that; but in the interim, you will hear from the rural coordinator where we are going ahead with planning the rurals, and we’ve seen a number of private promoters already making adjustments in terms of their venues.”

The CDC chairman noted that “there was a fairly big level of excitement when it was announced that the Arnos Vale playing field would not be available,” adding that the CDC was even accused of trying to sabotage some people by not making the Arnos Vale Playing Field available.

“It hurts my heart, but I have to say if we want to use the Arnos Vale Playing Field we have to write for permission to use it. We have no control over the Arnos Vale Playing Field, so let me disavow the notion that the CDC took away the Arnos Vale Playing Field from anybody. We don’t have control over the Arnos Vale Playing field.”

Adams said the Victoria Park is the only space over which the CDC has control as the National Lotteries Authority has graciously given them access to the park during Carnival.

“… I’ve seen a number of promoters who were also affected by the unavailability of the playing field. I’ve seen them making alternative adjustments, so I’ve seen events advertised to take place in other spaces, events that would have ordinarily taken have taken place in the Arnos Vale area.”

Adams made it clear that the CDC has no aim nor vested interest in promoters not having events.