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The battleground is set and the energy is building as the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) officially unveiled the finalists for this year’s Big Bad Ragga and Soca Monarch competitions, slated for Saturday, July 5th at Victoria Park.
This year’s showdown promises an unforgettable night of rhythm, lyrics, and performance power as reigning Ragga Soca Monarch Hance John and Soca Monarch Delroy “Fireman” Hooper prepare to defend their titles against a fierce line-up of challengers.
Ragga Soca Monarch Finalists
All eyes are on Hance John, who stormed the stage last year to claim the Ragga Soca crown. This time, he’ll face off against a diverse cast of talented artists including:
Utamu “Bongo Prime” Rose – Mardi Gras (Trouble in town)
Rajiv “Suh Raw” Sutherland – Fete we fetting
Claydon “Dymez” Roache & Elrico “Dapixel” Hunte – Doh hold back/Overdose
Angelique “Angie Maya” Garraway – No Owner
Nimroy “Zeron” LaBorde – Vacation
Maralis “Moralis” Wilkins – Sideman
Tyrique “Dfusion” Thomas – Mission
Giovanni “GEO” Collins – Gimme that wine dey
Delroy “Fireman” Hooper – Mash me up (also reigning Soca Monarch)
Reon “Maddzart” Primus – Rain
Gregory “Pekos Jr” Cato – Looking for sober
Reserved: Chewalee Johnson – Feeling fuh liquor
Though Fireman is the current Soca Monarch, he’s doubling down this year, entering the Ragga Soca category with Mash Me Up, eyeing a double crown.
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Soca Monarch Finalists
With an unmatched legacy in Soca, Delroy “Fireman” Hooper returns to defend his crown. But competition is tight this year, with major contenders including:
Utamu “Bongo Prime” Rose – Maddest place on earth
Jamarie Romel Stepleton – Love yuh bad
Hance John – Party like we (the reigning Ragga Soca Monarch switching gears)
Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd – Acrobat (Show Me)
Angelique “Angie Maya” Garraway – Curry
Rajiv Sutherland & Giovanni Collins – Shellings
Lee Jace Gerald Bullock – Til Morning
Justin Cambridge, Collin Marshall & Jahiem Pitt – No Sleep
Kendel Burke – Cya bowl me
Shannan John – Start Again
Derron Jamal Rouse – Count yoo Days
Claydon Roache & Elrico Hunte – Mas forever/No cap
Reserved: Princess Alexia DeShong – LITTY
The mix of veterans, dynamic duos, and breakout talents sets the stage for a battle that promises fireworks and unforgettable moments.
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With Vincentian music lovers gearing up for one of the most anticipated shows of the season, the 2025 Big Bad Ragga and Soca Monarch is shaping up to be a true celebration of homegrown talent and Caribbean creativity.
Rodney Small, Chief Executive Officer of the CDC, commended all finalists and encouraged fans to show full support.
“This is not just competition—it’s culture, community, and carnival at its finest,” he said.