Chutney Soca Monarch semis tomorrow

Among the singers are Heeralal Rampartap, Rooplal Girdharrie, Anil Suchit, Budram Holass, Davindra Ramdath, Joel Davis, Lal Bharat, Madain Ramdass, Mohip Poonwassie, Moses Charles, Omardath Maharaj, Ramdeen Falko Maharaj, Savita Singh, Shaffiat Mohammed, Teshaiah Deonarine, Rasika Dindial, Asha Kamachee, Carlene Welles, Edward Ramdass, Devanand Gateoo, Jitman Jogie (Faya), Kenneth Supersad, Lynn Khan, Mario Jitman, Molly Ramcharan, Nigel Salickram, Phoolmattee Ramjattan, Ravi Bissembhar, Ryan Peter Estrada, Shaffiroon Mohammed, Surendra Ramoutar and Trishma Kavita Maharaj.

Both Rampartap and Girdharrie have won the competition in previous years. Other strong contenders are Dindial, Omardath Maharaj, Supersad and Welles. Each artiste has enjoyed huge popularity during the off Carnival season.

In the words of Minister in the Ministry of Culture, Eddie Hart, the Chutney Soca Monarch has grown leaps and bounds over the past 11 years. He noted that it now occupies a niche spot in the local national calendar of activities as an eagerly awaited event of the Carnival season. This year the grand final is carded for February 11 at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

The San Fernando-based promotional company, Southex, has been behind the production for the past 11 years. CEO of Southex, George Singh, complimented the government for providing more funding this year. Singh also said that former Road March King, Machel Montano, will be part of the opening act in the final competition.

Hart noted that Southex will be paying special emphasis on the lyrical contents of compositions this year. Lyrics will be awarded 25 points for the overall tally.

This year’s competition is estimated to cost $1.3 million. Chief sponsor this year is the National Lotteries Control Board. Other sponsors include White Oak, Heineken, Citrus Growers, CCN TV6, Courts Trinidad Ltd, Black and White Scotch Whiskey, Blue Waters, Pepsi, Gulf City Ltd, Nanlal and Sons Ltd, and Motor and General Insurance.