It is the biggest contest exclusively for women in the history of calypso and it is already being acclaimed as one of the major events for Carnival 2005.
By Peter Ray BloodThe first NLCB International Soca Queen Competition will have its elimination round of competition (Soca Blowout) on January 21, at the Arima Velodrome, followed by a grand final at Jean Pierre Complex, on Carnival Thursday, February 3.
Produced by Sweetbread Promotions, this new Carnival show carries almost $.25 million in prize money, with the queen receiving $100,000, sponsored by the National Lottery Control Board.
The Unit Trust Corporation has sponsored the second prize of $50,000 worth of units, with the second runner-up getting $30,000 worth of furniture and fourth-placed contestant receiving $20,000. Contestants placing 5th-12th are guaranteed $5,000 each.
The competition was officially unveiled to the media on Wednesday night at The Mas Camp Entertainment Centre, preceding a concert featuring the all-female cast of Sweetbread?s Divas Cabaret calypso tent. Sweetbread Promotions CEO Rudy Ottley was high in praise of sponsors NLCB, Unit Trust and National Flour Mills.
Ottley said the deadline for registration for participation in the competition was January 7. Then a panel of seven judges will listen to CDs submitted and award points, based on lyrics (25) and melody (35). He added that a registration fee of $100 was being charged.
Contestants selected for the January 21 Soca Blowout in Arima would be allowed to use CDs containing an instrumental version of the song, strictly for accompaniment purposes. The inclusion of chorus on the CD is acceptable.
Twelve finalists will be selected from Soca Blowout for the February 3 final at which an orchestra will be provided for accompaniment. Each finalist is responsible for providing her own background vocals/chorus group. Seven judges will also adjudicate the final.
Ottley said that one of the major rules of the competition fell under the scope of decency and the dignity of the woman. Rule 11 of the contest states: ?Calypsoes considered to be indecent, obscene or defamatory will be rejected.?
He also emphasised that ties in the placings would not be allowed, with the judges having the onus to come up with a formula to defuse ties.
A number of potential entrants were in attendance at Wednesday?s launch and already the names of favourites for the crown were being tossed around, names like Destra, Denise ?Saucy Wow? Belfon, Onika Bostik, Michelle Sylvester, Faye Ann Lyons, Sanell Dempster and Nicole Greaves.
NLCB International Soca Queen Competition judging criteria:
Lyrics - 25 points
Melody - 35
Rendition - 25
Presentation - 5
Costuming - 10
