There are 12 first-time entrants among the 22 singers vying for the Carib Soca Monarch title and first prize of $1.5 million, among them a former local top model and a winner in the 2009 Guyana Music Festival.
It was also announced, at the launch of the competition yesterday, that ANSA McAl had devised a means of getting the public more involved with the addition of the ‘People’s Choice Awards’.
This would allow fans to vote online and by text messages for their favourites. The singer with the highest votes will win a special award. Further details will be publicized later.
Ansa McAl Public Relations Officer Darshanie Yussuf said the competition had received 33 entries, but 22 were shortlisted based on lyrics, melody, rendition, diction and musical arrangement/party appeal.
The quarter final competition, billed for the Mackenzie Sports Complex, Linden on February 2, will see the first elimination of five contestants. Another five will be eliminated at the semi final, billed for the Area ‘H’ Ground, Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice on February 9.
The remaining 12 contestants will