After months of debate and tough decision making, the climax of the of Spicemas is almost upon us. And there is no better way to begin the final countdown than with the culmination of the two major music competitions. Some 134 Artistes entered the preliminary stage of the Soca Monarch Competition and after a hectic weekend of quaterfinals and then a very exctitng semifinal, the final 15 Artistes have been selected to compete against the reigning Soca Monarch, Baby Killer. On Wednesday the 16 finalists will be dipping for positions as preparations continue for what has become the biggest night of entertainment on the island. With limited space available at the Tanteen Netball Court, patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets for this Friday's GCC/Cable & Wireless Soca Monarch are $45 and the show starts at 9pm. On Sunday night 9 calypsonians will challenge the reigning monarch King Ajamu for the title of Calypso Monarch. Eight tents faced the judges during the preliminary round of Calypso. After a very outsatnding semifinal, the big night, Dimanche Gras is finally here. The general consensus is that this year's show will be one of the best in quite a long time. The Tanteen Netball Court is once again the venue and the admission is only $25. Spicemas is definitely alive in 2005 and as the countdown to Carnival Monday and Tuesday begins the Grenada Carnival Committee encourages all to continue to be safe as we celebrate Grenada's biggest cultural extravaganza. Contact: Dexter Mitchell 473-440-0366 ext. 4131 473-406-4753 THE GCC NATIONAL CALYPSO COMPETITION FINALISTS ARTISTE NAME SOBRIQUET DAVID ABAN CHAIN JUDE HENRY NATTY RAPHAEL JOHNSON CROQUETTA SEAN MILES SOUR SERPENT FINLEY JEFFREY SCHOLAR LLOYD PANCHOO MR. X RANDY ISAAC RANDY ISAAC ADRIAN THOMAS PERSUADER EDISON FRANCIS TEACHER EDDIE STANDBY: LINCOLN JOHN - BUBBLER GCC/CABLE & WIRELESS 2005 SOCA MONARCH FINALISTS ARTISTE NAME SOBRIQUET Randy Isaac Randy Isaac Michael Williams Mr. West Sheldon Douglas Sheldon Douglas Dave Peters Boogie B Elimus Gilbert Inspector Wilt Cambridge Tallpree Edson Mitchell Ajamu Marcus James Lavaman Alle Andre Paul Spider Andy John Four Brass Evelyn Alexander Zingo Nathifa St. Louis Nathifa Nnika Francis Nnika Clint John Super Flint David Aban Chain STANDBY: SHELDON SAMUEL/JOEL PERSAUD - IGNITION