[UPDATED] Simon Baptiste announced creative director of Soca Monarch

Question Mark Entertainment’s co-founder Simon Baptiste has been appointed creative director of the Play Whe International Soca Monarch (ISM). Question Mark Entertainment is a full-service entertainment firm, and Baptiste is the former manager of Kes the Band. He has also managed several successful events including Decibel Entertainment Festival and Tuesday On The Rocks.

A release issued by the foundation on Monday quoted Baptiste as saying, “I’m truly honoured to be a part of this historic and ground-breaking event experience and would like to graciously thank the organisers of the ISM for this opportunity. Soca Monarch has created a stage for our artistes that has allowed them to cross regional and international borders, and introduced our music to countries in Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The potential of this event is limitless and I simply aspire to match the phenomenal work done by my predecessors and shine a spotlight on this genre globally.”

His appointment comes after soca artiste Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez opted out as the competition’s chairman.

Asked about the decision to appoint Baptiste, Geoffrey Wharton-Lake, one of ISM’s directors said, “We had quite a few names that popped up and we felt when his name popped up, we said ‘why not?’”

He added that Baptiste has managed quite a few artistes, over the years, who have competed in Soca Monarch.

“So he understands from that side of it, not as an artiste but as a manager – he understands the Soca Monarch culture.”

He said the organisers love the fact that Baptiste can see what more can be done for the artistes.

“How much more comfortable we can make the artistes and present the artistes on a platform that, really and truly, is the only platform for them for soca music.

“So bringing him on board, I think we made a great choice. I think it will work out excellent. It is all about the culture and all about the art form. It is all about the performers.” Wharton-Lake said it was not just about the artistes but also about the supporting cast. “It really makes you open your eye and say if it did not have the competition or there was no competition where would these people get the opportunity to show their talent?”

Wharton-Lake said Baptiste has a lot of ideas.

When asked why Baptiste does not hold the title of chairman, Wharton-Lake said Baptiste felt creative director was a better fit for him at this time as opposed to chairman. He said the competition does not need a chairman now.

“It is about for us getting the event and Soca Monarch and everybody put on their creative shoes and open their minds up and see how best we can make the competition better than ever.” Wharton-Lake said, on Saturday the names of the semi-finalists will be released and the semi-finals will be held on February 2 in Arima.

In the release Wharton-Lake also said that the National Lotteries Control Board is once again the title sponsor for ISM and will officially be called Play Whe International Soca Monarch. The first prize for the Play Whe International Soca Monarch Power category is one million dollars while the first prize for the groovy category is $500,000.

The registration for the Play Whe International Soca Monarch began on January 18 and ends on January 24 at 6 pm.

This story was originally published with the title Simon Baptiste, new creative director for Intl Soca Monarch" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Question Mark Entertainment co-founder Simon Baptiste has been appointed creative director of the International Soca Monarch (ISM). Question Mark Entertainment is a full service entertainment firm and Baptiste is the former manager of Kes the Band.

His appointment comes after soca artiste Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez opted out as the competition’s chairman. Asked about the decision to appoint Baptiste, Geoffrey Wharton-Lake, an ISM director said, “We had quite a few names that popped up and we felt when his name popped up, we said why not?”

He added that Baptiste has, over the years, managed quite a few artistes who competed in the Soca Monarch competition. “So he understands from that side of it. Not as an artiste but as a manager...he understands the Soca Monarch culture,” Wharton-Lake said.

He said the organisers love the fact that Baptiste can see what more can be done for the artistes. “How much more comfortable we can make the artistes and present them on a platform that really and truly is the only platform for them and soca music.

“So bringing him on board, I think we made a great choice. I think it will work out excellent. It is all about the culture and all about the art form. It is all about the performers,” he said.

Asked why Baptiste does not hold the title of chairman, Wharton-Lake said Baptiste felt creative director was a better fit for him at this time as opposed to chairman. He said the competition does not need a chairman now.