by Curlan Campbell
- “Down in Greenz” released shortly after Carriacou Carnival
- Performing in 8th position, Mr Gold’N captivated with his energy and charisma
- Groovy Monarch crown returns to Belmont, Carriacou
Matthew “Mr Gold’N” Thomas of Carriacou had the crowd screaming “Is ah whole mood” as he lit up the stage at the Groovy Monarch 2025 competition with his electrifying performance of “Down in Greenz”, a track on the Veggie Pasta Riddim and produced by Xpert Productions.
Dressed in a striking gold and black suit, he brought “the groove back in groovy,” proudly showcasing the exceptional talent of the tri-island state.
While performing in the 8th position, Mr Gold’N captivated the audience with his energy and charisma, encouraging them to wave Grenadian flags. Many considered this performance to be one of his best yet. His victory means the Groovy Monarch crown returns to Carriacou, specifically to the community of Belmont, sparking celebrations among the Kayaks.
Mr Gold’N, reflecting on his win, said he thoroughly enjoyed the performance. He noted that the song had been released about 3 months ago, shortly after Carriacou Carnival. Although he had planned to release other groovy tracks, the song’s strong reception led him to postpone the one he intended for the Groovy Monarch competition with “Down in Greenz”. He added that fans can expect more music soon.
Reflecting on his performance, Mr Gold’N added, “The feeling on stage was ecstatic. I did what I planned out to do, you know, I had fun, and to see the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique coming together as one… that made me enjoy even more. So the feeling was ecstatic, and it was amazing, and I’m happy to be here.” He described the victory as “something long time coming,” adding, “When you persevere and you persist and you continue and you turn up every day and every night, and you try and try, one day the door will open for you. And every man has this turn, and I guess this time is mine, so it’s a great feeling.”
Already known to be an energetic performer with the ALPHA1 band, newcomer to Groovy Monarch, Sakinah “Sakina” Ambrose wowed judges and fans alike with her majestic entrance, carried in on a palanquin supported by four men. Both she and her female dancers were dressed as royalty, with a Roman-inspired backdrop perfectly complementing her song “I Got Me”, on the One Eights Riddim, produced by Alix “Sandman” Aird.
“The performance was amazing. It was my first time. It was a little different, but, I enjoyed myself… And that was my cue to have a good time,” she said. “This is nothing to play with… every artist who comes out here every year after participating in this event, they ought to be respected… this art form should be respected a little bit more. That’s my takeaway.” She also left fans with an empowering message: “If nobody told you today, let me be the face to tell you — you are beautiful, you’re amazing, you are the prize. This is your world. Everybody else is just living in it.”
Although he did not win the crown, former monarch Finbar “Shortpree” Andrews’ theatrical comeback after a 5-year hiatus, took 3rd spot with “Bouquet Now”, a song inspired by a near-fatal accident.
His theatrical performance began with a coffin decoy carried on stage, mourners in tow, only for the “deceased” to slap the mourners and jump out — revealing it was not Shortpree. The real Shortpree entered from the opposite side of the stage in a tailored green suit, joined by dancers dressed as sunflowers, and was later handed a bouquet mid-performance.
Groovy Monarch 2025 results
- Mr Gold’N — Down in Greenz: 276 points
- Sakina — 268 points
- Shortpree — 266 points
- Terra D Governor — 260 points
- Dash & Happy Boi — 259 points
- Jonathan Francis — 247 points
- Luni Spark & Electrify — 244 points
- Sheldon Douglas & Shamak — 243 points
- Randy Isaac — 241 points
- Juice D Voice — 238 points
- Yagadan — 218 points
The night was one for the history books, with powerful performances, theatrical surprises, and a crowning moment that Carriacou will not soon forget.
