Vincentian soca artiste Ozarie Matthews has expressed deep disappointment over his exclusion from this year’s Vincy Mas semifinal round and the official launch event.
Speaking candidly to ANN, Matthews said, “I feel fuc””d up. I’ve been singing soca since 2007, and I believe I’ve been putting out good music. To not even be considered for the launch of Carnival or make it to the semifinals feels like a serious blow.”
Matthews, who placed fourth in the 2023 Ragga Soca Monarch competition, revealed that he submitted two songs for this year’s soca competition and paid the registration fee himself, as he is not affiliated with a calypso tent.
“I didn’t mind if I got dropped at the semifinal stage due to a poor performance,” he admitted. “But listening to some of the people who were selected from just a track, I know my music is way better than that. I’m at a loss as to why I wasn’t selected.”
Despite the setback, the soca artiste says he remains committed to his craft. “I’ve called several people asking why I wasn’t selected, but I won’t let it stop me. I love music, I love to sing, and I know people enjoy what I produce.”
While expressing hope that the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) would have included him in this year’s Vincy Mas events, Matthews added, “They don’t have me in anything, but I will continue writing and singing for my fans. I just hope one day I’ll get the recognition I deserve.”