Jarvis “Muddy” Cuffie has been a vibrant and chronic determine in Grenada’s soca scene for over a decade, devoted to perfecting his artwork and efficiency model.
Final yr, he narrowly missed the title by three factors, however in 2025, his persistence paid off as he lastly ascended to the throne of Energy Soca Monarch along with his magnetic efficiency of “Payroll.”
On Bacchanal Friday 2025, Muddy delivered a commanding efficiency that captivated the viewers from the second he stepped on stage. Rising by star-shaped props and rising from smoke and fireplace results, he was joined by Jab Jab masqueraders carrying an outsized symbolic backpack—representing his “payroll,” his historical past, and his goal as he claimed the crown.
Ultimately, he earned 275 factors, edging out Kenton “Bubbah 473” Ashton (272) and Keron “Lil Kerry” Noel (270) in a good competitors.
Muddy additionally clinched the Individuals’s Alternative Award, a testomony to his longstanding reference to followers.
“To have the folks loving me a lot… to come back out from early and assist me like that could be a fantastic feeling,” he stated.
Reflecting on the historic nature of his win, Muddy added:
“No time in historical past has somebody sung in first place and gained. So to have a Jab track win the crown—that’s superb.”
The Significance of Spicemas
The Soca Monarch competitors is the primary main occasion of Spicemas, Grenada’s vibrant expression of cultural heritage, woven with symbolic traditions and high-energy celebrations.
Initially a commemorative celebration of Grenada’s Independence (gained on February 7, 1974), Spicemas developed by political and social modifications, finally discovering its everlasting place in August from 1981 onwards.
One of the vital anticipated moments is Dimanche Gras, French for Nice Sunday, which marks the official begin of carnival. Held on carnival Sunday night time, Dimanche Gras Evening options the Calypso competitors and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Bands, main into Monday morning’s J’ouvert.
Among the many most iconic and sometimes misunderstood traditions is Jab Jab J’ouvert, the place revellers lined in oil, mud, or paint channel the rebellious spirit of their ancestors by dance and satire. This expression of freedom is rooted in Grenada’s colonial historical past and is a strong act of cultural remembrance and resistance.
Spicemas additionally options different cherished occasions:
- Panorama – the annual steelpan competitors
- Conventional Mas – that includes Shortknee, Jab Jab, Vieux Corps, Ole Mas, stilt walkers, and moko jumbie bands
- Fairly Mas – the place vibrant feathers and dazzling costumes take centre stage
Spicemas is held each August in Grenada, persevering with to unite custom, efficiency, and nationwide satisfaction in a single electrifying celebration.