New soca monarch will be crowned – Lavaman says he will not defend his title

By Linda Straker

THERE will be a new soca monarch this year because the 2012 winner will not be defending the title when the top 15 soca artistes compete for the title tonight August 9th at the National Stadium.

Last Thursday evening Marcus “Lavaman” James issued a statement informing his fans and the public that he will not be defending his crown.

“My decision to stay away from competition this year was made on the backdrop of what is best for me now as an artiste. I would like to thank you to all my fans for the support you have shown and continue to show me as I move to taking my musical career to another level,” said that statement which came through his manager, Wayne Green.

The statement from James came within days of him claiming that his 2013 music is not getting the public airplay at any event sponsored by LIME. He felt that this was part of an ongoing punishment plan from the company, since he breached his 2012 contract as a brand ambassador of the telecommunications provider.

James, who is presently in Toronto to participate in Caribana events, said: “As an artiste, I will continue to contribute to Carnival with my style of music, all in attempt to make you, my fan base, happy. As to my future and whether or not I will be returning to competition, it is left to be seen”.

Green said that despite the decision to stay away from the competition, James – who has release more than eight tunes for the 2013 season – will be performing at other concerts and fete which will form part of the Carnival celebrations. Some of his tunes include: “Wuk her like a Boss”, “Soca Child”, “Paranoid”, “Madd Mass” and “Why Yuh Think We Name Mas.”