If there is an International Soca Monarch competition this year, Patrice Roberts won’t be in it.

The ‘Sweet Fuh Days’ singer said the time has come to give way to younger artistes who need the exposure.

“Last year was it for me, I don’t compete well; last year was my breaking point. I can’t do it anymore. I think it is an opportunity for someone else who never did it before. It has done so much for Soca, it put us on the map, gave us an opportunity to be seen on so many levels but that competition does make me question myself,” She said.

Currently, the standout artist of the season, Roberts’ decision reflects her growth not just in her career but her own self-development.

She is a lot more self-confident, self-assured and comfortable with herself as a performer and person.

She said giving birth to her daughter Lily has made her the woman she is today.

“It taught me to less selfish. Everything was about me, now I have to think about someone else. It has me taught me how to be patient.  My self-esteem has gone to 1000. From the moment I held my daughter, I saw the most beautiful human being ever and right there and then I started having confidence. If God could help me create something so beautiful then I am beautiful,” she said.

Becoming a mother has also fuelled her creativity resulting in the work she has produced for the 2018 Carnival season.

“It has caused me to be so creative. Before I would stick to one thing, now I would push myself. I have a lot of potential, I don’t think the fans have seen it all yet which is why I pushed myself to work with Kees and Lyrikal and I have a song coming soon with Charly Blacks,” she revealed.

While her collabs are enjoying steady rotation on the airwaves, it is her solo “Sweet Fuh Days” that has assured her numerous bookings for the Carnival season with many dubbing it a strong contender for the Road March title. If she does win, it will be her first as a solo artist. She shared the title with Machel Montano when they won in 2006 for the song “Band of the Year”.

Roberts is overwhelmed with the response to her music.

“I have been doing so much hard work through the years, I have been consistent and people are always receiving me. This year the love is just amazing. I just wanted to put out music, I just wanted to release songs and be different but the response, I wasn’t expecting it. Everything I released thus far have been received well, I am amazed. It shows how much fans care about you. I could feel the love,” she said.

“Sweet Fuh Days” was written by composer/songwriter Jovan James but Roberts said when he sent the song to her team she wasn’t sold on it. However, her mother, who chooses her music, loved it and so did Barbados super producers De Red Boyz.