For the first time in their storied careers, Saint Lucia’s winningest Power and Groovy Soca Monarchs have teamed up on Stratosphere Muzic’s Red Mask Riddim with Praises.
Ricky T and Arthur Allain – the collaboration no one saw coming, given their competitive history (and beyond). Together, they boast a combined 30 competition titles, including Ricky T’s nine Power and three Groovy wins, eclipsed only by Arthur’s six Groovy crowns.
These two have faced each other in social battles, earning both scars and trophies along the way. Fittingly, the first song they’ll sing together speaks of triumphs and tribulations: “Give praises yeah eh / For all the positives / Even the negatives / Give praises yeah eh for all the memories / Even discrepancies.”
It’s a call for unity set to a groovy soca beat. The song is titled Praises because that’s exactly what it does; urging hands raised in celebration of life and bacchanal: “Give thanks for every show / cuz you never know could be the last one that you go / Give thanks for every fete (fete never forget) / Could be the last time that you fete.”
There’s also an acknowledgement that fans of both artists must now see each other in a new light: “Go find a pardner, team up / And the two of y’all just free up / Don’t wait until your time up / It’s the baddest fete of the year.” Arthur echoes the sentiment.
“Finally collaborating with Ricky T, a legend I’ve admired since stepping into the soca scene, feels like a full-circle moment,” Arthur shares. “From performing alongside him with Matrix and Evalucian Band to competing at the Soca Monarch level, this journey has been surreal. It’s been a long time coming and I believe it is the opportune time to demonstrate unity and show just how powerful togetherness can be. Big love to Ricky T and every supporter who has kept the energy alive throughout the years. This one’s for you.”
Praises is one of five tracks on the Red Mask Riddim, which also features a first-time collaboration between Sedale and Superman HD on Bad Company, along with two more from Ricky T – he joins forces with female vocalist Nireti on Nastiness and with Dhirv 2Funny on Made In China. The riddim is rounded out with Bazodee by Jurgen and Mata.
Red Mask Riddim is out now on streaming platforms.
I have never met either one of you – but I have seen your performances on varied platforms and you both are awesome at what you do.
Healthy competition, when practiced with respect, fosters growth and innovation by motivating individuals to strive for their best in their craft or calling while recognizing the value of others because each of you are uniquely qualified and gifted with your respecting talents. There can only be one Ricky T and one Arthur Allain…..blessings to you both.
In the universe – no two individuals are alike – each one has his or her respective talent/gifts/calling. Once you find out what your gift/talent/calling is you work hard and take it to various levels with hard work, commitment, sacrifice and dedication. Sometimes folk see the finish product and don’t understand the struggle it took to get you there. I respect you both and as Yung Bredda would say “it’s all about Love in the Circle” !!!!