The Finalists Part 2: A Graphical Lookback At Trinidad & Tobago's Calypso and Soca Monarch Finals

This is The Bible of the Trinidad and Tobago Calypso and Soca Monarch Competitions. The Finalists is both entertaining and informative; Part 2 picks up from where Part 1 ends. An important aspect of the information presented in this book is the varying dimensions of research and analytical perspectives being made available. On one level it serves as a reliable source of reference data for those who need it at hand and at a glance. Throughout the book there is also a presentation of related factoids which in some instances point to the extracurricular activities of certain artistes. For those seeking a higher level of engagement with the information there are avenues for a deeper and more focused analysis of selected issues. No other publication makes available to the public as comprehensive an account of these competitions as is presented here.

About the Author :
John Barry is a Documentarian with an extensive background in television production. He is the founder of Python Productions Limited, a company whose focus is on the cultural expressions of Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Barry's highly acclaimed documentary film, Classical Steel, has been screened at the film festivals in Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, the USA, the UK and as far off a South Africa. For a number of years, dating back to 2006, Mr. Barry also served as an adjudicator of International Soca Monarch Competition.

Review :
To quote Marcus Garvey, "a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." It is important, therefore, that aspects of our culture must be documented and achieved in various forms. Mr. Barry's book "the Finalists" demonstrates this understanding by providing accurate and valuable information on two of the major competitions held during the carnival season. It is not only helps to jog our memory as to who the winners were of previous years but in its own right, provides a virtual Hall of Fame for our talented artistes. I wish to commend Mr. Barry for his contribution to our cultural legacy archive. I wish to implore you, the reader that as you read this book that you remember all the hard work that all the artistes, managers, producers, composers and promoters have put into arrive at the place of success. May we also appreciate efforts by even those who have not quite made the winner's row but have made their mark in other ways. May this book be an inspiration to the young and upcoming artistes that someday your name too will be recorded in the Hall of Fame. Josephine Torrel-Brown Chief Adjudicator National Schools Soca Monarch/International Soca Monarch "As a cultural archivist you have my highest praise for the time and effort spent on gathering so much information on a subject so many of us take for granted. This is more than just a record of who won and who didn't quite make it on the top in Calypso and Soca competitions. This picks up from where you left off in the part One, but with more detailed information." "There is a challenge for you to go and fill the blanks that were at that time not quite available. You started something that is badly needed. So go brave with the blessing of all calypso enthusiasts." Edward Teddy Pinheiro Cultural Archivist