Chutney artistes to vie for 13 titles

They are Ramdeen Falco Maharaj, Neeshan D’Hit Man Praboo, Heeralal Rampartap, Marva Mc Kenzie, Budram Holass, Prem Dudoon, Dubraj Persad, Jagdeo Pagoo, Lynn Khan, Davanand Gattoo, and Anil Suchit.

Singing on the theme “On The Road to Germany”, they will vie for titles ranging from best dancer and musician, to best tasting chutney.

With its roots in the spicy, rhythm driven folk celebrations of India, chutney music, dance and song have evolved into a home-grown artform with links to diasporic communities across the Caribbean, North America, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Particular IndoCaribbean dance styles, instrumentation using harmonium, dhantal and the range of tassa drums, meet social commentary style of Caribbean song, born out of the roots of oppression, poverty and disempowerment.

Prizes will be awarded for National Tassa Chutney Monarch, National Chutney Drummer, National Chutney Harmonium Player, National Chutney Dhantalist, National Chutney Dancer, National Chutney Dance School/Group, National Traditional Chutney Monarch, Most Promising Chutney Artist, Best Chutney/Soca Composer

The singers are usually dandily dressed in imitation of Indian monarchs or Bollywood stars, hence the categories, for Best Dressed Chutney Artiste and Best Dressed Chutney Group.

As new-age chutney engages with other cultural movements, the competition will also judge the National Chutney Soca Monarch (in English) in three areas of political commentary, social commentary and humorous chutney soca. Best Public Chutney Dancer, Best Tasting Chutney and a People’s Choice award will further flavour the evening for chutney fans. Other prizes will be awarded for the Best Newspaper Article, Best Newspaper Photograph and Best Chutney Video Clip on the competition.

During the show, which will kick off with the release of 12 autographed Soca Warriors balls into the audience, fans will have a chance to win a trip to Germany, BMobile cell phones, jewellery and other paraphernalia

The show is under the patronage of FIFA’s Vice President, Jack Warner, Coach Leo Beenhakker and Dwight Yorke. Reigning Calypso Monarch, Luta, will provide entertainment with DeFosto, Anil Bheem and the Beemazz, Melonugz, Kess D Band, Maximus Dan, Rock and others.