In the vibrant world of Antigua’s Carnival, few events command as much attention as the Party Monarch Competition. For nearly 30 years, this Soca showdown has been more than just a contest of catchy hooks and high-energy performances. It’s been a battleground where legends are forged, dynasties rise, and cultural pride pulses with every beat. From the first hook in 1995 to the most recent crowning in 2024, the Party Monarch has charted the careers of some of the most defining voices in Antiguan music.

The Founding Era – Setting the Stage

When Daddy IKO claimed the inaugural Party Monarch title in 1995 with “De Hook,” he set in motion a movement that would grow far beyond its modest beginnings. The early years were filled with raw talent and unpredictable showdowns—Smarty Jr.’s “Slow Wine,” Onyan’s “Crazy Man,” and Singing Althea’s breakout win, the first female, with “Love Me Up” in 1998. These performers helped shape a new musical frontier for our festival.

Sleepy quickly emerged as a crowd favourite and consistent threat, claiming multiple titles between 2001 and 2004. His run heralded the competition’s rise as a Carnival centrepiece.

A Queen Ascends – The Claudette Peters Era

Then came the queen.

In 2005, Claudette “CP” Peters burst onto the Party Monarch scene with “All I Know,” and the competition would never be the same. Over the next two decades, Peters would become a defining force, winning Groovy and Jumpy crowns alike with a blend of powerhouse vocals, captivating stage presence, and an uncanny ability to connect with the crowd.

Her 2007 performance, which saw her sweep both categories with “Go Claudette Go” and “Showtime,” set a new bar for artistic excellence. It wasn’t just about the song—it was about commanding the stage like royalty. From “Still Jamming” to “Werk It” to the triumphant return with “Nat U” in 2023, CP proved that her reign wasn’t a phase—it was a legacy.

Enter the Challenger – Tian Winter’s Groovy Domination

While Claudette reigned supreme, another rose to prominence. Tian Winter brought a new flavour to Party Monarch—smooth, emotional, and intensely musical. His first win came in 2009 with the Groovy gem “Baby I,” and it marked the beginning of a dynasty rooted in melody and movement rather than sheer volume.

Tian’s Groovy reign would stretch over a decade, with standout hits like “Cya Fail Me,” “Roaming,” “Oath,” and “All for One.” While others chased hype, Tian’s approach was almost surgical—his performances layered with harmony, message, and poise.

In the Jumpy category, he showed he could shift gears, with anthems like “Hurricane” and “In the Middle” proving his range.

The Drue Effect – Swagger and Stagecraft

If CP is Carnival royalty and Tian its musical technician, then Ricardo Drue can be considered the revolutionary. With infectious energy and a showman’s flair, Drue lit up the Party Monarch stage with performances that blended style and spirit.

His breakout came in 2014 with “Hide and Seek,” but it was “W.A.R” and “Stamp Yuh Name” that secured his spot in the pantheon. Drue’s rivalry with Tian added drama to the competition, a storyline fans followed as eagerly as the songs themselves.

Their contrasting styles, Tian’s precision vs. Drue’s passion, kept audiences guessing and coming back for more, leading to the epic Face-Off the ideal spinoff from Party Monarch and one of the last times we would see Drue in full flight.

Menace and the Benna Soca Revolution
No discussion of Antigua’s Party Monarch legacy would be complete without Menace, the pioneer of what some call “Benna Soca” a gritty, infectious blend of traditional Benna rhythms with modern Soca energy.  After five years of strong performances in the finals, he would take the Groovy Monarch in 2019.

Known not just for his electrifying performances but also for fostering a spirit of camaraderie, supporting the breakout of new artists into the competition, he would have capped his 2019 with his CountryFest winner Low Rider going on to the Jumpy crown after a fierce battle with Tian Winter. 

Menace is known for creating a collective vibe that energizes the stage and the crowd alike. 
He challenged the norms, reminding everyone that Carnival music is as much about community as it is about competition. Hits sound helped bridged the old with the new, keeping the Party Monarch fresh and vibrant.

New Voices, New Directions

As the veterans continued to dominate, a new generation began to break through. Ezzy Rattigan made waves with “Syrian Soca” and later “Golden Cup.” Lyricksman brought lyrical grit with “How Ma Sound.” Empress made history in 2023 with “Let It Rain,” proving the girls can have as much fun, too. 

The evolution continued with Young Vice and “Gravity Falls” heralding the return of the jam band spirit to Antigua’s Carnival.

Each new winner hinted at the evolving sound of Antiguan Soca; more global, more experimental, but still rooted in the Carnival experience.

A Throne Shared but Never Empty

Across three decades, the Party Monarch stage has become hallowed ground. Yet for all the competition, it has also fostered community, a circle of artists pushing each other to reach higher, dig deeper, and entertain harder.

What binds these monarchs together is not just the trophies, but the impact. Their songs have soundtracked J’ouvert mornings, costume road marches, and backyard limes. They’ve given voice to joy, mischief, heartbreak, and celebration. Their reigns are etched not just in titles, but in memory.

The Legacy Lives On

As the Party Monarch Competition stands on its 30th anniversary, the question is no longer whether it will endure, but who will define its next era. Will a new monarch rise to challenge the old guard? Will the veterans return for one more crown? What new sounds will take the stage?

No one can say for sure. But if history is any guide, the throne will never be empty. Because in Antigua, the party never stops, the music never wanes, and neither does the reign.