Last weekend, 80 emerging and established soca artists took the stage in Saint Lucia, competing for one of the coveted semifinal spots in the annual National Soca Monarch competition. Split evenly between the Groovy Soca and Power Soca categories, the 40 Groovy and 40 Power contenders performed for a panel of expert judges, each vying to advance in one of the most anticipated events on the Lucian Carnival calendar.
For decades, the National Soca Monarch competition has been a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s annual cultural celebration, drawing thousands of local and regional soca fans each year who closely track every round of the contest from preliminary performances all the way to the final showdown. After a weekend of high-energy performances that showcased the breadth of talent in the Caribbean soca scene, event organizers confirmed the quarterfinals delivered one of the most competitive lineups in recent memory.
When the judges’ final scores were tallied, exactly half of the competing contestants earned their place in the upcoming semifinal round: 20 artists in the Groovy Soca Monarch division and 20 artists in the Power Soca Monarch division will move forward to compete for a spot in the grand finals. The semifinal showdown for both categories is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2026, giving advancing artists time to refine their performances and connect with fans ahead of the next round.
The confirmed Groovy Soca Monarch semifinalists, alongside their competing tracks, are: Arthur Allain with *Work on Pause*, Carlton CR Roberts with *Hostage*, Danielle Du Bois with *Dancing in the Rain*, Deevon with *Momentum*, Ezra D’funmachine with *Mr Complimentary*, J’urgen with *The Other Man*, Kardo with *Finger*, Keytina with *Let Me Go*, Kisha Kay with *Done*, Mica with *Step Out*, Mighty Taker with *Where We Chipping*, MNR with *Party Count*, Nireti with *Third Party*, QPid with *Backup Plan*, Ricky T with *Not Kissing As*, Sedale with *Insane*, Shemmy J with *Everything*, Siah with *Cho*, Sly with *Captain*, and Twahzzy with *Stop It Stacy*.
For the Power Soca Monarch division, the advancing semifinalists and their entries are: Bronx, Dhirv 2 Funny & Matta with *Mad People*, Budzilla with *Bwelay*, Carlton CR Roberts with *X-Man*, Da Great with *House Party*, Ezra D’funmachine with *Salute*, Imran Nerdy with *Today I Off*, J’urgen & Lolani with *Can’t Let You Go*, Kisha Kay with *Hot Already*, Mantius with *Fully Charged*, Mica with *Loud*, MNR with *Last Time*, Orion with *Not Going Home*, QPid with *De Fete Mad*, Ricky T with *True Colours*, Sedale, Hollywood HP & Deevon with *Bring Your Cooler*, Shemmy J with *Even If She Cryin’*, Siah with *No Brain*, Sir Lancealot with *Jusso*, Sly with *Rage (Dewange)*, and Tension with *Actimo*.
As fans begin rallying behind their favorite artists, the countdown to the 2026 semifinal round is already underway, with expectations growing for another unforgettable showcase of Caribbean musical talent ahead of the year’s Lucian Carnival celebrations.