Chutney prelims kick off tonight

Fifty chutney artistes will be taking to the stage at Samar Entertainment Centre, Debe, tonight for the preliminary round of the 2004 NLCB’s National Chutney Monarch competition.

Among those who will be vying for the top prize of $100,000 is Heeralal Rampartap who took the title at the 2003 competition. Although he is the defending champion, he is required to join the line of performers in the preliminaries and the semi-final competition. This is one of the new rules of the competition. Winners will receive the sum of $290,000 in prize money for this year’s competition. CEO of Southex, George Singh, said there will be no more “ties” when the results are announced in this year’s competition. He said the judges will be instructed to vote for first place in the event of a tie. This decision was made following the 2003 controversy, where both Rampar-tap and Rikki Jai tied for first place.

Jai initially refused to collect his half of the prize money offered by Southex, but later acce-pted the cheque. Singh said Jai will not be appearing in this year’s competition. He also stated that five more points will be awarded for lyrical content in this year’s event. Chutney stars who will take to the stage at Samar tonight include, Marcia Miranda, Sarika Mahabir, Drupatie Ramgoonai, Rooplal Gildharie, Nigel Salikram, Adesh Samaroo, Vedesh Sookoo, Denise Belfon, Cecil Fonrose, Nisha Baksh, Rasika Dindial and Roy Rampersad. JMC Trevini will be provide back-up music for the contestants. Making guest appearances will be SSL Melobugs St John’s United Tassa Group, Clico Shiv Shakti Dancers and the Nirvana Dance Group. Gates open at 7 pm and ladies are free before 9 pm.