Calvin Burnett’s song “HandyMan” has earned him the 2024 Soca Monarch crown, while Osei Clarke (OKC) is the new Calypso Monarch.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in Mashramani song competitions held at different venues over the weekend, young Vinel Hinds stole the spotlight, winning both the Junior Calypso and Junior Soca Monarch titles.
Hinds said that she was beyond proud of herself. “2024 is a great start for me. I was able to regain my calypso crown and I retained my soca crown,” the two-time champion said on her Facebook page.
She shared that she was the first female to have double crowns and she thanked God for the dream that became a reality. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kross Kolor Records for their continuous guidance and support. With regard to her sponsors Nya’s Decor & More and WeSolveCX she said that she was grateful for their commitment and support throughout this journey.
“I aspire to continue making myself and my supporters proud,” the champion said.
Meanwhile, after being crowned the calypso winner in Lethem, OKC singing “Gone Already” tied for second place with Dianna Chapman singing “Grey” in the Soca Competition, which was held in Linden. OKC also attempted a double win, entering the Chutney competition, which was held last evening. Results were not available at press time.
Police Sergeant Quincy Lacon, going by the stage name Ego, with a song titled “Call the Police”, took second place in the Senior Calypso Competi-tion. Ego shared the second spot with Young Bill Rogers.
According to a Guyana Police Force press release, the song, which was written by Ego and Bonny Alves, showcased the true talent of this local singing star. It further emphasises the raw talent of members of the force.
The release said Sergeant Lacon explained that the song seeks to “encourage the general populace to work in partnership and unison with the police.” He sang: “We want to have a better relationship with all the citizenry// so pay attention to this calypso and believe in me// I pledge to do my best// put me to the test// Ego is meh name// law and order is meh game”.
In other results, Osbert Cain with “My Space” and Queen Makeba came fourth in the Soca and Calypso competitions. Among the juniors, Theodora Dehnert gained second place in both the Soca and Calypso competitions. For the Junior Soca Teja Edwards took third place while Ishmel Griffith and Angel Ellis tied for fourth. Meanwhile in Junior Calypso, Simeon Raywaram took third place and Angel Eliis came in fourth.
