One million dollars is set to become the first prize for the winner of next year’s International Power Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad.

Announced at Wednesday (16/04/08) night’s Soca awards prize distribution ceremony at the ballroom of the Queen’s Park Oval, by newly appointed executive president of the CPF Gregory Fernandez who also spoke of a three-hour format with an after party.

“On Fantastic Friday there will be no changing of bands. Everyone will have to work with the house band, so there will be no delays,” explained Fernandez further.

Unlike in previous years almost all the finalists turned out, including winners of the Power Soca and Groovy Soca Monarch competitions, Bunji Garlin and Shurwayne Winchester respectively.

Eleven speakers spoke during the awards ceremony with topics ranging from the Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment Company, the Caribbean News Media Group and the state of music and music entertainment in the country.

Among those who received their prizes on the night were Ferdinand Smith, National Primary Schools Soca Monarch and Erphaan Alves, the Secondary School Soca Monarch, who performed to the delight of the crowd.

Musicologist Dr Pat Bishop and producer/arranger Leston Paul were also given Awards for Excellence in the field of music.