Kyra and Diana Chapman crowned Soca Monarch Champions in electrifying 2025 competition

The 2025 Soca Monarch Competition delivered a night of high-energy performances and unforgettable theatrics at the Linden Bus Park in Region 10, with Kyra and Diana Chapman emerging as the victorious champions in their respective categories.

The event, held on Saturday night, attracted a packed crowd eager to support the competitors in what was a thrilling celebration of soca music and culture.

Junior Winners:
1st – Kyra
2nd – Simeon Raywaram
3rd – So Hype
Best New Comer: Tonio Gy

Senior Winners:
1st – Diana Chapman
2nd – OKC
3rd – Omaiah Hall
4th – Chavez Sital and Vintayge (tied)

Best New Comer: Chavez Sital

The night kicked off with the junior competition, where vibrant performances set the tone for what was to come. Among the highlights was Justine Hamer, who began her performance of “Fit as a Fiddle” with a regal entrance, captivating the audience in a stunning golden costume.

However, it was Kyra who stole the show with her electrifying performance of “When Party Ova.” Dressed in silver and surrounded by a group of backup dancers, her use of lights and impressive vocal control set her apart from the competition, earning her first place.

Tonio Gy, the Best New Comer in the junior category, also made a strong impression, delivering a freestyle performance that had the crowd chanting “Champion.” His confident stage presence and infectious energy made him a fan favourite.

As the evening wore on, attention shifted to the senior category, where Guyanese soca legends and rising stars took centre stage. UpTop, a visually impaired artist, delivered a heartwarming performance of “Life Over Everything,” bringing the crowd to their feet. His emotional proposal to his partner on stage left a lasting impression on the audience.

Diana Chapman’s performance of “My Home” was a true spectacle. With a dramatic costume reveal and a stage transformation into a cultural runway, Diana paid homage to her roots, turning her performance into a vibrant celebration of Linden and Guyana. The crowd went wild as she passionately delivered her song, earning her the top spot.

Omaiah Hall, with her energetic performance of “Breakaway,” also impressed the judges. Her dynamic stage presence and creative use of props and choreography ensured she secured a strong third-place finish. Meanwhile, OKC closed out the night with a bang, delivering a high-octane performance of “Bashment Overload.” The crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch as he made a dramatic entrance and delivered a freestyle addressing his second-place finish in 2024, promising that 2025 would be his year.

Honourable mentions of the night included Alpha, who showcased his energetic dance moves despite technical vocal missteps, and Karizzma, whose performance reflected her personal struggles and triumphs after a near-fatal car accident. Short Boss, with his unique “Drink and Zess” performance, brought his own brand of charisma and determination to the stage.

Kyra’s commanding presence in the junior category and Diana Chapman’s jaw-dropping cultural showcase in the senior competition solidified their victories, proving they are at the forefront of Guyana’s soca scene. OKC and Omaiah Hall also demonstrated that the future of soca in the country is in good hands, with fierce competition and unforgettable performances.

Beyond the music, the night was filled with touching moments, from UpTop’s inspiring proposal to the sheer passion and energy that all the performers brought to the stage. Despite a few technical glitches and vocal missteps, the spirit of the event was undeniable, showcasing the love for soca music and the cultural pride of Guyana.

As the 2025 Soca Monarch Competition comes to a close, one thing is clear: the future of Guyanese soca is alive and thriving, fuelled by talent, passion, and an unwavering commitment to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the country.