The stage is set for a night of high-energy competition as sixteen of the Virgin Islands’ top soca artists prepare to face off in the 2025 Soca Monarch competition, taking place tonight at the Charlie Neil Frett Festiville. The event, a central highlight of the 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival, promises fierce performances across both the Groovy and Power categories, with over $15,000 in cash prizes at stake.
Returning to defend their titles are last year’s champions LJ and Ramon G. LJ, who captured the 2024 Groovy Soca Monarch crown with his performance of “Don’t Stop,” will compete again in the Groovy segment alongside Ricko, Bari, Mya K, Paido, Sista Joyce, Eccentric Audio, and Ramon G himself. The Groovy winner will receive a $3,000 prize, while second and third place will be awarded $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.
In the Power Soca category, Ramon G—last year’s winner with the track “VI Pride”—will be aiming for a fourth title. He will compete against Ricko, Diffy, Jarvy, Paido, Shemba, Mya K, LJ, and Bari. The Power champion will take home $5,000, with the first and second runners-up receiving $2,500 and $1,500.
The competition is expected to draw thousands of spectators and music lovers, many eager to see if the defending champions will retain their crowns or if new contenders will rise. Admission is set at $40.
Following the conclusion of the competition, the entertainment will continue with headline performances from regional soca powerhouses Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, as well as Yung Bredda and Xtreme featuring Pascal.
The 2025 Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the territory in 1834, continues this week with additional cultural events, musical showcases, and historical tributes across Tortola.
