Kenneth Supersad fails to qualify for Chutney Soca Monarch

It is the first time in 18 years that Supersad did not make it past the preliminary round and he is demanding answers from promoter George Singh as to why his song did not qualify.

“My song is original in lyrics and melody while the others use Bollywood melodies to create tunes for this competition,” Supersad said, adding that he is in the process of contacting his lawyers for advice.

Last week Supersad and a handful of other disgruntled singers criticised the selection of songs by the organisers of the competition at a news conference outside Singh’s office.

The group called for only original chutney songs and not remakes of Bollywood songs to be considered by the judging panel and lamented that Bollywood remakes end up winning the one million dollar prize money almost every year.

Singh is said to be out of the country at this time and did not answer his phone.

Former monarchs, Rikki Jai, Ravi B and Rooplal Girdharie have been selected for the semi-finals which will be held on January 28 at the LIV Nightclub, South Trunk Road, Gulf View, La Romaine.

Earlier this month Singh outlined that just as the annual Soca Monarch, the CSM has grown into one of the most anticipated shows for Carnival.

He also said artistes will have to wait for the announcements of prize money from the Ministry of Culture.

In 2017 nine contestants will be selected to compete against reigning monarch, KI at the grand final scheduled for February 11 at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

The names of the 33 semi finalists are: Shivan R & Slammer Cutter, Rawythee Ramroop, Jason Peru, Heeralal Rampartap, Vishan Mohammed, Anthony Batson, Amit Sooknanan, O’Neil Bhajman, Veekash Sahadeo, Michael Ramroop, Xavier Pouchet, Jesh Ramnanan, Hemlatha Dindial, Reshma Ramlal, Drupatee Ramgoonai-Persad, Asha Kamachee, Jadel, Robin Jagdip, Imran Beharry, Aaron Duncan, Nishard Mayrhoo, Lalchan Babwah, Neval Bissambhar, Adesh Samaroo, Ravi B, Orlando Octave, Rick Ramoutar, Saleem Beharry, Rikki Jai, Rooplal G, Omadath Maharaj, Aaron Jewansingh and Sally Sagram.