A stunning performance in his second year as a groovy monarch finalist landed the St. Mark-born artiste, Rashid “Cryave” Julien his first national title.
His selection, “Unbothered” dubbed one of the better tracts for the 2022 carnival by many, lived up to expectations both in terms of delivery and crowd response. According to the judges, Julien amassed a total of 273 points, six points ahead of its closest rival Sherwin Paul aka Mr. Walkie, who scored 267 points with his selection “Heartbreak.
Former, soca monarch the duo, Kellon and Kelson Ogiste aka Luni Spark and Electrify had to settle for the third spot, scoring with their selection “Good Vibes Only,”
Position four went to Emmanuel Charles aka EC who scored 237, with his selection “Hold On.” Another duo “Scholar and Papi Boy” Findley Jeffery and Damion La Pompe finished in position five with 236 points for their selection “Hope.”
Speaking with the median following his victory, Cryave said he was lost for words, lifting a groovy monarch title in only his second year in the finals. He said singing among the big names in the finals, it would not have bothered him if he had not won this time, nevertheless, me dubbed the occasion a phenomenal one. It is his hope that he can now live up to the expectations of all involved in the art form and are now looking up to him as the champion.
As it relates to his next move and where he goes from here on, Cryave said he has already started the planning process, and is looking forward to great things.
The two-year break in Carnival due to Covid-19, Cryave said, while he was looking forward to the return of carnival, did a lot for him in terms of writing and preparing him for the reward he is now enjoying today.
His selection Unbothered, was written during the lockdown, and the name he said speaks for itself. Despite what was taking place around at the time, he was focus on the mission and was not bothered.
English