Sunday sees the staging of the 2006 Calypso Semi-finals at the Victoria Park inside Grenville Town, St. Andrew's.

A total of nineteen calypsonians have been selected for the show in which nine would move forward to challenge reigning monarch, Scholar for his crown on Dimanche Gras night, August 13 at the Tanteen Recreation Ground.

Only three former monarchs - Elwin "Black Wizard Mc Quilkin, Arthur "Smokey Stephens, and Edson "Ajamu Mitchell were included in the list.

Black Wizard emerged from the preliminary rounds of the competition with the most points (486), followed by Edison Francis (Teacher Eddie) with 468 points, and Martin Felix (Steffie) on 464 points.

The list is completed by Biko Lewis (463), Natty (462), Smokey (461), Ajamu (458), Randy Isaac (450), Zina (449), Boloti (446), Mr. X (446), Croquetta, Syo, and Sour Serpent (441), Quiet Storm (438), Papa Jerry (437), Marsha Mc Donald (429), Japs and Sherene (427).

Four of the artists would be appearing in the semi-finals of the monarch competition for the first time - Zina, Syo, Quiet Storm and Sherene.

Meanwhile, GCA has announced the names of the 30 semi-finalists to battle reigning Soca Monarch king, "Buggy B on August 11 for the coveted GCC/b mobile Soca Monarch title After a massive show at the La Sagesse Nature Centre on Sunday before a panel of six judges, the 30 artistes ranging from veterans to newcomers were selected.

The competition this year will not only feature locals but for the first time English-born, Grenada-based "Soca Sterling who will be competing in the event.

Two of the bigger names in the soca business, former Soca Monarchs, Sheldon Douglas and Inspector failed to make it into the semi-finals to be held on Friday night at Victoria Park in Grenville.

The selected artistes are Mr West, Ajamu, General PP, Zingo, Randy Isaac, Papa Jerry, Copper, Gary Williams, Soca Sterling, Theresa Jae, Tallpree, Frenchy, Mappy G, Mr Killa, Lady Lydz, Barbice, Young Sound, Erica, Luni Spark, Spontaneous, Soca Banton, Four Brass, Terror Kid, Jericho, Mr Lenz, KJ, Lava Man, Chain, Big Jay and Touch It.ce in the finals.