Chutney Soca Winners receive Prizes

“Winning the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition changed my life.” That was the sentiment expressed by Omadath Maraj, one of the joint winners of the 2017 Chutney Soca Monarch competition, after collecting his prize at the prize-giving ceremony held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain on April 27.  He further stated that “the competition is the highest forum for chutney soca in the country and it was an honour to perform at this event”.

These sentiments were endorsed by joint winner Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar) who indicated that the competition was a life changer.  He thanked the organisers of the competition for providing a platform to showcase the talent of artists.  He commended the Government for their contribution toward the art form because it showed that they cared about chutney soca and thanked all sponsors as well.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Communications Coordinator Desiree Connor said that “we recognize your creativity, diligence and efforts towards the advancement of chutney soca music in Trinidad and Tobago and the globe”. She pointed out that chutney soca is a prime example of the multicultural foundation of this twin island nation and it fuses the musical traditions of two of our main ethnic groups in a seamless and harmonious manner”.

George Singh, CEO of Southex Event Management Company Ltd, producer of the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition, said this year’s event was impactful and they really made some headway with the crossover hits which stood out on the national landscape for Carnival 2017. He also announced that “The World’s Ultimate Challenge” will be in the competition next year.

During the prize giving ceremony the sum of 1.18 million dollars was distributed by ministry representatives, Desiree Connor and Arlene Holman to the twenty finalists of the competition.

Joint Chutney Soca Monarch winners Omardath Maraj with his song “Ramsingh” and Ravi B with his song “Budget” received the sum of three hundred and twenty five thousand dollars each.  Also collecting their prizes were second-place winner KI (Kris Persad), $75,000 and receiving $25,000 each for placing third to ninth were Rooplal Girdharie, Samraj Jaimungal, Stephon Mark, Michael Ramroop, Nishard Mayrhoo, Lalchan Babwah and Rick Ramoutar.

The World’s Ultimate Challenge Winner, Chris Garcia with his hit classic song “Chutney Bacchanal” received one hundred thousand dollars while Omadath Maraj, Samraj Jaimungal, Rakesh Yankarran, Samdeo Boodram, Drupatee Persad, Rasika Sonnyram, Devanand Gattoo, Nirmal Samaroo and Budram Holass received $20,000 each for placing second to tenth.