Shaquille thanks supporters for ‘huge surprise’
Flow Starcom People’s Monarch Shaquille GFG has expressed deep gratitude to fans, family and supporters.
He was visibly moved as he received his cheque for $15 000 at the new Flow store in Dome Mall, Warrens, St Michael.
“Honestly, when I wrote this song [Asphalt], I never thought I’d win anything this season. Being the People’s Monarch was a huge surprise to me,” he said.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who supported me, to my family – especially my daughter – to Flow, Starcom, the NCF [National Cultural Foundation], Sol and all our sponsors. This is my first ever win in eight years of competing in the People’s Monarch and I’m truly grateful.”
Shaquille also extended praise to fellow competitors, noting the talent that graced the stage this year.
“We had some big songs this season, including from Quon & Doejay [second place]. If both of us could have shared the title, I would’ve done it. I like to see everybody win,” he added.
Journey
Runner-up Quon, competing alongside newcomer Doejay with their track Bartender, also reflected positively on the experience.
“This competition really opened us up as artistes to a whole new fan base,” Quon shared as he collected his $4 000 cheque.
“It’s been a pleasure to be part of the journey and we’re both very grateful. Even though Doejay couldn’t be here today, as he is a bit under the weather, I’m proud to represent our team and
thank the producers, Nick Jr and Daniel Harvey, and the People’s Monarch organisers.”
The corporate partners highlighted the competition’s significance for Barbadian culture. Toni Yarde, senior manager, communications, Flow, praised the event’s role in amplifying Caribbean rhythm and providing artistes with a platform driven by public choice.
“No one had to go to a polling station – technology empowered people to choose their favourite song. This year, Flow invested nearly $250 000 into Crop Over, supporting the NCF and private sector and immersing ourselves fully in the culture,” she said. “ Shaquille’s win shows the value of fresh, emerging talent and we congratulate him and Quon for their outstanding performances.”
The People’s Monarch, first held in 2003 and won by Timmy with Bumpa Catch Ah Fire, remains the only major Crop Over competition decided entirely by public vote. Organisers acknowledged that while some fans may debate results, the outcome reflects the voices of those who participate.
Vilmore Johnson, Advertising Manager at Starcom Network, said: “If you don’t vote, your song can’t progress. This year brought a few surprises, but that’s the nature of a people-powered competition. People’s Monarch was birthed out of the need of a competition that is judged by the people.” (NS)
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