by KATRINA BEND

KNOCKING AT THE DOOR six times and finally getting the victory!!

Yes, Khiomal Nurse, 26, epitomises that perseverance seldom fails for he walked away with the top prize of
$22 000 in this year's Party Monarch Finals with his self-penned mega hit Unleash De Beast.

It was produced by DJ Peter Coppin for his MonstaPiece Reloaded compilation album.

Still basking in the glory, but bombarded with numerous text messages and phone calls, Khiomal tells GROOVE about his winning formula, a collaboration with manager Fay Burke, choreographer Matthew Pilgrim and Ricky Nurse from Brydens Distribution.

"We put together a voice over to let people identify with the beast as the spirit of Crop-Over and not as an ad for Monster Energy. I came out in chains as the beast [which is] the spirit of Crop-Over. Green symbolises the energy. The Chinese green dragons symbolised unleashing creativity, positivity and energy," Khiomal said.

"It's always good to feel the vibe from the crowd. I felt great that 80 per cent of the performance went well. As far as winning, I was just hoping."

He also had the assistance of the Monster Army which consisted of people from Wadadah, Brewsters Road crew, Passion Network, VSI, Berger Boyz and East Coast limers to get support from the spectators.

Khiomal said he could not have done it without major sponsors Monster Energy (Brydens), Durex Condoms, Kodak, Attiva Gym, Nubian Naturals Hair Salon and, bMobile which is also a staunch supporter of the krosfyah band which Khiomal has served as a co-lead vocalist for almost eight years.

Khiomal, a member of Bacchanal Time, also lauded the National Cultural Foundation for allowing him to judge with De Big Show because of overseas comittments with his band krosfyah.

Kadooment Day for Khiomal will be a whole day affair with Cable & Wireless Contact band – from the Stadium to Spring Garden. Then he leaves for the carnival in Tortola with krosfyah.

Khiomal placed in the Top 5 in the Party Monarch Finals in 2004 with fifth place; 2006, fourth; and third in 2007.

His name has been synonymous with soca music for 12 years. First with his début in the Pinelands Community calypso competition, winning the titles in 1996, 1997 and 1998. By age 16, he became the Junior Monarch with the song, All In The Game of Life.

The next year, at age 17, he joined the big guns all the way to the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals and placed fourth with Rise Barbados Rise, penned by John King and his self-penned, Children Get Up.