Published 11 July 2017
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis
Is the National Carnival Committee planning to invite Regional/International Soca Artistes to perform at the Soca Monarch Show? According to Azim Bailey, Founder of the Bacchanalist Crew, this may be a reality this December.
Speaking to ZONEplus Media on a recent edition of “What’s Up SKN”, Bailey revealed that he became aware of the ill-advised plan via a whatsapp message from the National Carnival Committee.
“There was one other additional communication the day before we were notified that our bid was unsuccessful just outlining some additional services will have to provide.”
According to Bailey, “The additional service was to backup some international or regional artist that they want to put as part of the show.”
Bailey, taking the committee to task on this plan, indicated that the Artistes will perform at the end of show.
“I don’t know if our Soca product isn’t a big enough draw. I don’t know what the thinking is behind that,” said Bailey who further explained, “I have never seen a Soca Monarch where the whole purpose is to highlight and showcase your local talent and then bring in some regional or international act to somehow lend support to that. I don’t get it.”
Bailey questioned how much the regional acts will be paid in comparison to the prize awarded to the winner of the competition. He indicated that he has long advocated to the prize money to be increased.
“What this speaks to to me is what is the focus of the committee. If the committee’s focus is to help and showcase our local product, then some of these decisions they’re making don’t fall in line with that focus.”
