On Thursday 10 artistes were chosen to come up against the reigning groovy king, Dash, in just under two weeks.
The Tanteen Hard Court came alive with the first in a series of semifinal for the weekend.
25 soca artistes displayed their creativity and unique compositions, all in an effort to impress the judges, to be able to secure a spot in the final round of competition, come fantastic Friday.
However only 10 would have the privilege to challenge Dash, who has retained the crown for three consecutive years.
GBN caught up with four of the 10 finalists, who are excited and ready to deliver on Carnival Friday.
First timers to the groovy competition Top Cat and Blazer promise to bring their ‘A game’ at the final.
“Believe in yourself, perform, give it your all, give it your 1000 percent not your 100, because 100 isn’t enough. You have to go hard,” Blazer told GBN.
Always a favourite with the ladies, Lesly ‘Brother B’ Modeste told GBN it’s been three years since he last competed but he is in it this year. “Am back to stay, because it’s the fans decision.”
Valene Nedd, the only female to advance to the final, says she always finds a way to turn the negatives into a positive “There are times I don’t do my best, but am one of those persons who’s very persistent and I take the critique and flip it around and try to do better. So it’s just about going forward and doing my best.”
The brothers from St. Patrick, Luni Spark and Electrify say the biggest thing for them is being satisfied with their performance on stage. “Once we come off stage and we feel happy within our hearts, we did what we had to do, we delivered.. that’s enough for us.”
The artistes selected to grace the Groovy Monarch Stage are Carriacou’s Monarch Killa B, Pappyboi, V’ghn, Former Monarchs Luni spark and Electrify, Brother B, first time finalist Cryave, Former Monarchs Sheldon Douglas and Terra D governor, Top Cat and Blazzer and the lone female, Valene Nedd.