[UPDATED] 19-year-old Verrse is 2024 Tobago Soca Titan

PICS BY AYANNA TWO days after his 19th birthday, Jahiem “Verrse” Thomas received a late gift as he was crowned the 2024 Tobago Soca Titan. The Roxborough native said he feels “amazing” as he worked hard in pursuit of the title.

The competition was held at the Market Square carpark, Scarborough on October 23. Ten finalists were featured: Thomas, Caston Cupid, Jhevon “Royal” Jackson, Gerard “GMB” Balfour, David “Star Boy International” Thomas, Wendell “Excite” Frederick, Khalen “JaMoi” Alexander, Djere Saul, Keishon “Zwade” Jack and 2023 winner Adrian “Num Num” Isaac.

The competition was scheduled to begin at 7 pm but only got going at 8.35 pm. Local artistes Jumanne “Juby” Cox and Tam Tam opened the show with guest performances.

Once the competition began, the audience became more lively with each performance, with many friends and family of contestants opting for in front the stage.

Thomas performed fifth to a roaring audience of over 100 people and had the crowd dancing with his tune Pump It Up.

Decked in a white and gold outfit, he commanded the audience, accompanied by backup dancers in bright, colourful Carnival costumes.

His song speaks about “waiting so long” for Carnival to return to enjoy “madness on the road” and alcohol.

He sings, “As we meet up we drinkin’/limin’; As I see all meh friend and dem, is bacchanal till the end; Pump it up till we cya stop.”

He then continues to express how he feels in the crowd during Carnival, hailing it “the best feeling.” He also urges fellow revellers to keep away all “bad vibes.”|

Thomas was initially speechless when he was announced as the winner and seemed to be wiping tears as his supporters flooded the stage to celebrate with him.

He won a cash prize of $75,000, racking up a total of 402 points.

Cupid placed third with 327 points to earn $40,000 and Alexander came second with 353 points and got $50,000.

Those placing sixth-tenth also got a cash prize of $10,000, while fifth place got $20,000 and fourth, $30,000. The competitors were judged by a panel of five.

Isaac, the 2023 champ, placed eighth.

Speaking to Newsday after the results, Thomas said it was his second time entering the competition, but it was the first time he “got through (to the finals).

“I feeling proud right now. I feel amazing. I know I put in the hard work and the hard work paid off.”

The former Speyside High School student said he was grateful so many people came from Roxborough to support him, adding that, “They always supported me from the beginning.”

He said he only began music last year and is thankful to all his friends and family.

The crowd was buzzing throughout the night with some breathing fire, while others formed a conga line and danced to the music.

The night ended with special performances by Wadicks and the First Citizens Tobago Pan-Thers.

Full results:

1st: Jahiem “Verrse” Thomas

2nd: Khalen “JaMoi” Alexander – Ramajay

3rd: Caston Cupid – Bad in D Road

4th: Keishon “Zwade” Jack – Bacchanal in De Party

5th: Gerard “GMB” Balfour – Start It

6th: Jhevon “Royal” Jackson – No Saint

7th: Dejere Saul – Full on Vibez

8th: Adrian “Num Num” Isaac – Splash Wataa

9th: David “Star Boy International” Thomas – Fete Crashers

10th place: Wendell “Excite” Frederick – Let It Fly

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

TWO days after his 19th birthday, Jahiem “Verrse” Thomas received a late gift as he was crowned the 2024 Tobago Soca Titan.

The Roxborough native said he feels “amazing” as he worked hard in pursuit of the title.

The competition was held at the Market Square Carpark, Scarborough on the night of October 23.

A total of ten finalists were featured: Thomas, Caston Cupid, Jhevon “Royal” Jackson, Gerard “GMB” Balfour, David “Star Boy International” Thomas, Wendell “Xcite” Frederick, Khalen “JaMoi” Alexander, Djere Saul, Keishon “Zwade” Jack and 2023 winner Adrian “Num Num” Isaac.

It was scheduled to begin at 7 pm but only kicked off at 8.35 pm.

The audience became more lively with each performance, with many friends and family of contestants opting to stand in front of the stage.

Thomas performed fifth to a roaring audience and had the crowd dancing with his tune Pump It Up.

Decked in a white and gold outfit, he commanded the audience, accompanied by backup dancers in bright, colourful carnival costumes.

Thomas was initially speechless when he was announced as the winner and seemed to be wiping tears as his supporters flooded the stage to celebrate with him.

He walked away with a cash prize of $75,000.

Cupid placed third with Bad in D Road ($40,000) and Alexander came second with Ramajay ($50,000).

Speaking to Newsday after the results, Thomas said it was his second time entering the competition, but it was the first time he “got through (to the finals).

“I feeling proud right now. I feel amazing. I know I put in the hard work and the hard work paid off.”

The former Speyside High School student said he was grateful so many people came from Roxborough to support him, adding that, “They always supported me from the beginning.”

He said he only began music last year and is thankful to all his friends and family.