Soca singer Iwer George. Contributed

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Soca artiste Iwer George was crowned the 2007 International Power Soca Monarch after outclassing his rivals in the finals of the competition at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in the capital last Friday.

Bajan artiste, Biggie Irie, captured the Groovy Soca Monarch title in that competition which was also held at the stadium on Friday.

Both competitions are part of annual carnival celebrations.

George, singing Fété After Fété, and Irie, performing Nah Going Home, each wrested the respective titles from Shurwayne Winchester who placed third in the Power Soca Monarch with Open The Gate and fourth in the Groovy Soca Monarch singing Alequa.

Winchester, who captured the People's Choice Awards for both competitions, delivered elaborate presentations that featured troupes of dancers, additional musicians and several stylised props.

George and Irie kept their presentations very simple, depending mainly on their raw talent and synergy with the audience to pull off their respective victories. George goes home with TT$400,000 (US$63,994) for his efforts while Irie receives TT$150,000 (US$23,998).