Rooplal Girdharie wins Chutney Soca crown

PERFORMING before a massive crowd, estimated at 25,000 at Skinner Park, San Fernando, policeman and chutney star Rooplal Girdharie captured the Chutney Soca Monarch crown and $100,000 first prize, leaving in his wake second place Nigel Salickram and Adesh Samaroo, who copped third spot. Singing in position 15, Rooplal gave a stellar performance with his newly composed tunes “Dulhaniya Rey” and “We Eh Going Home,” to tally a winning 485 points. Supported by the Clico Shiv Shakti dancers, Rooplal had the crowd in a frenzy through both of his performances. Salickram, who captured second place with 468 points, will receive $60,000 for his efforts. His renditions were “Tak Dhin” and “Festivals.”

Crowd favourite Adesh Samaroo, of “Rum till I die” and “Cyah go fuh cane,” placed third with 456 points. Samaroo wowed the crowd with two new compositions, “Janet Maccoing” and “Sadhu Baba.” For his efforts, Samaroo will receive $40,000. Last year’s defending champion Heeralal Rampartap placed a disappointing fourth with 455 points, singing “Save the Paradise” and “Ah Really, Really Love You.” Heeralal took home  $20,000, while fifth placed Roy Rampersad walked away with $10,000. He sang “Iron Draws” and “Ah Love Meh Chutney,” which tallied 421 points. Soca diva Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon, was tied for eighth place and was among those who failed to make the top five.

Sarika Mahabir placed sixth with Francesca Allard placing seventh while Belfon and Rasika Dindial shared eighth position. Other contestants on the night were Phoolmatie Ramjattan, Carlene Wells, Edward Ramdass, Mohip Poonwassie, Clint Thomas and Lalman Maharaj. Prime Minister Patrick Manning led the dignitaries who attended the show. He was accompanied by his wife, Education Minister Hazel Manning. Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams and San Fernando Mayor Ian Atherly were also present. The show, which was carried live on TTT and radio 103 FM,  started promptly at 8 pm on Saturday  and finished at 3.30 am yesterday.