Remarks by the Manager, Corporate Communications for the Launch of Chutney Soca Monarch 2019
10 January 2019
Good morning,
It is my distinguished pleasure to bring remarks on behalf of Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, at this morning’s launch of the 24th edition of Chutney Soca Monarch.
The “chutney-soca” genre is yet another testament to the ingenuity of Trinbagonians. We are exceptionally curious in nature, constantly exploring fusion ideas and concepts in the cultural sphere. We merged the tantalising sounds and linguistics of chutney with soca, which is in itself a hybrid derived from Calypso and East Indian rhythms. This resulting fusion music has amassed thousands, if not millions of followers across the world, and adds to the growing list of cultural material that Trinidad and Tobago has proudly gifted to the world during the 20th century.
Over the past twenty-four editions, the Chutney-Soca Monarch competition has served as a launch pad for many of today’s successful artistes, especially those venturing into the music industry for the very first time. Each year’s production continues to exceed the grandeur and calibre of its predecessor; therefore the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts expects that the 2019 competition will be a highly-coveted event during this carnival season.
The value of this artform goes beyond the music industry; it adds meaningful value to the broader discussion on our national identity. The Trinbagonian thumbprint continues to evolve with cultural fusion; we have clearly demonstrated that it is better to merge our differences to create end-results like Chutney-Soca music, than be divided by them…
I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly to commend Mr. George Singh and the entire Chutney-Soca music fraternity for their resolute commitment to promoting this artform both at home and abroad. It takes a certain kind of passion and strength to deliver the service that you do, and because of your efforts, Chutney-Soca continues to experience substantial growth across its audiences.
To the entrants of this year’s competition, I extend best wishes to you and challenge you to exceed the already high standards set out by the CSM alumni. May your presentations reflect the flare and cadence that can only be found in chutney-soca monarch.
I thank you.