(Saturday, November 21, 2001): Several Soca monarch artists and band members took to the airwaves of Freedom FM on Saturday during the Sweet Sister Sensia show and voiced their disgusts with the arrogance of the carnival chairman Noah Mills.
According to the artists the chairman and the subcommittee responsible for organizing the Soca monarch competition has been treating them with utter disdain and disrespect. Mr. Bagnal, Rucas HE, Mr. Hype, Shanna, Sugar Bowl, Chev Rich, and members of the Bachanalist Band held what can only be described as an on air meeting with Mr. Mills. The artist are unhappy with one of the bands that are providing backing music for the a show and is insisting that the chairman return the Bachanalist as the band of choice for many of the artist. A petition signed be many of the artists that have registered to participate in the competition that was returned to the roster of carnival events n 2010 is expected to be delivered to the chairman at a later date.
Mills claimed the Bachanalist refused to play for any more carnival events after they were sidelined from the Soca monarch tents, which was disputed by members of the band, Gavin the keyboard player and leader Azim Bailey. The band member say that they only told the chairman that the Band was not going to play for anymore Soca tents and that was the reason for their elimination for the playing for the final competition.
The artists also claim that the chairman is very uncooperative and is not listening to their issues and concerns. They said that during a meeting last Sunday he would “shut them up” when he disagrees with their position. Band leader Bailey said his bands”hands were tired” and was being put in a position to not deliver their best.
After listening to the more than three hours of the live back and forth between the artist and the carnival chairman Minister of Culture the Hon. Shaun Richards called in and promised to convene a meeting soon with the stakeholders to iron out their issues. The minister agreed that the show cannot be held without the artist and has promised to resolve the issues prior to the show in December.
Noah Mills’ selection as carnival chair was controversial from the start. Many believed that his past failures with the Sandy Point football, Easterama and his elitist arrogance would plauge and taint the organizing of the national event.
Saturday’s live discussion with near 20 artists and band members about the problems plaguing the soca monarch competition is unprecedented. While there has been issues every year with one, or two artists expressing their disappointment on a radio show, or in private to the carnival committee, this is the first time we have seen such unity among the artists.
Last years competition was won by Sugar Bowl and Mr. Bagnall. Sugar Bowl a very popular radio DJ won the Power segment and Mr. Bagnall won the groovy title. Both artist will be defending their crowns in this years competition.