The International Soca Monarch competition is officially returning for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2027, bringing one of the season’s most recognised music competitions back to Port of Spain after a lengthy absence. Scorch Events has announced that the competition will take place on February 5, 2027, with artistes competing for three separate crowns: Power Soca, Groovy Soca and a newly introduced Steam category. The addition of Steam marks one of the biggest changes to the revived competition and reflects the growing influence of the sound among younger artistes and audiences. Scorch CEO Kwesi Hopkinson said the company believes the developing genre has earned its own competitive platform as Caribbean music continues to change. He pointed to the emergence of artistes associated with the sound as evidence of its growing international reach. Hopkinson also confirmed that Scorch reached an agreement with the intellectual property holders of the International Soca Monarch brand, clearing the way for the competition’s return. The 2027 edition will also carry a major cultural tribute to late calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco. Every finalist will be required to incorporate a tribute to Sparrow into their Fantastic Friday presentation. The tribute can take the form of a lyric, melody or costume and will contribute to the artiste’s overall judging score. Sparrow, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Caribbean music, died in September 2026 at the age of 91. Organisers said the judging panel for Soca Monarch 2027 will include music industry experts, cultural commentators and veteran soca figures. Fans will also have an opportunity to participate through a People’s Choice vote. The competition process is expected to begin before Carnival, with qualifiers scheduled to start in December and the semi-final round planned for January. International Soca Monarch was last staged virtually in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Farmer Nappy won with “Backyard Jam”. The last in-person staging took place in 2020. Kes and Iwer George shared the Power Soca Monarch title, while College Boy Jesse captured the Groovy crown. The return therefore restores a major Fantastic Friday attraction that for decades provided soca artistes with one of Carnival’s biggest competitive stages and helped produce memorable performances from some of the genre’s leading names. Scorch is currently covering the cost of producing the event but has indicated that it remains open to partnerships with both the public and private sectors. The official venue and the value of the cash prizes have not yet been announced. With three competitive categories, an international focus and a tribute to one of the Caribbean’s greatest musical figures, International Soca Monarch is now preparing to reclaim its place on the Carnival calendar when Fantastic Friday returns on February 5, 2027.
