The Party Monarch Competition which was conceptualised in 1995, was first held at the breathtaking Ermie Bourne Highway on the eastern coast of Barbados. It was added to the Crop Over Festival and soon became a popular event among Barbadians.
Winners Of The Party Monarch Since 1995
1995 - Edwin Yearwood
1996 - Edwin Yearwood
1997 - Alison Hinds
1998 - Edwin Yearwood
1999 - Edwin Yearwood
2000 - Edwin Yearwood
2001 - Blood
2002 - Lil Rick
2003 - Lil Rick
2004 - Edwin Yearwood
2005 - Natahlee
2006 - Barry Chandler
2007 - Lil Rick
2008 - Khiomal Nurse
2009 - TC
The winner of the first competition was popular singer and entertainer Edwin Yearwood. He created history that year by winning three Crop Over titles - Pic-O-De-Crop, Road March and the Party Monarch competitions. Edwin, as he is affectionately known, is one of the lead singers of the top Barbadian band krosfyah. Up until the year 2009, he had won the competition an impressive six times.
Location Of The Party Monarch Competition
The Party Monarch competition was originally held at the scenic Ermie Bourne Highway which is also known as the the East Coast. In the past, patrons would pack picnic baskets and tents and set up camp in the hills of St. Andrew. With a perfect backdrop of the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean, an atmosphere of relaxation and contentment was created.
In 2009, due to environmental and safety concerns, the Party Monarch was moved to the Farley Hill National Park. This was not a popular choice with Barbados and the event was not as well attended as in previous years. Bushy Park, a popular car racing circuit, was chosen as the new venue for 2010.
Format of the Party Monarch
Judging for the event takes place in the various calypso tents throughout the island. Eighteen finalists are chosen to battle the previous year's winner for the title. On the day of the Party Monarch Finals, the competition is judged by a panel of judges and the majority of the points awarded are based on presentation and crowd response. Entrants are required to perform a calypso with a tempo of more than one hundred and twenty five beats per minute.
The use of effective and unique stage props, dancers and stilt men are some of the more popular visual effects used to create excitement in the audience. Lil Rick, one of the popular entertainers in Barbados, is known for his original, never seen before performances. He has incorporated helicopter landings and hang gliding into his routine in previous competitions.
Changes Made to The Party Monarch
In the past, the competition was paired with the Semi-Finals of the Pic-O-De Crop competition. But after a few years, a decision was made to hold the competition on its own with performances from guest artistes. In 2009, it was paired with the a new event - the Sweet Soca competition.
The Party Monarch competition has become a wonderful party event for the young and young at heart. It is a whole day event which sees people gathering from very early in the morning to get the best vantage point. This too is a staple event of Barbados' Crop Over Festival.
Dannielle Brathwaite - Dannielle Brathwaite is a budding creative writer. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the West Indies. Ms. ...
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