Chutney-parang fusion

The song is just the latest in the fusion genre known as chutney parang soca, first made popular by calypsonian Scrunter in his hit of a few years ago, “Chut Kai Pang”. Since then, other local artistes have been experimenting with this combination of musical influences.

The two popular artistes told Newsday they are excited about the new release.

“It is always nice to experiment with the rhythms and I am happy that the audiences are enjoying this tune,” said Allard who knows a thing or two about musical fusions. She is no stranger on the chutney circuit as she has been competing in the Chutney Soca Monarch competition for the past five years and has been a finalist twice.

Heeralal, who is currently in the studio working on his chutney soca music for Carnival 2009, said the single caps off a successful year for him. The three-time winner of the Chutney Soca Monarch title said he has been busy with shows in New York and Miami and recently returned to TT to gear up for the hectic Christmas and Carnival seasons.

Both artistes have several musical accomplishments to their credit. Heeralal was the International Chutney Soca Monarch in 1997, 2003 and 2005, as well as the National Chutney Monarch of 2002 and 2003. He has also taken first place in the Indian Cultural Pageant for three consecutive years and won the first Tuco Chutney Monarch title in 2005 followed by two further wins in 2006 and 2007. He received the National Humming Bird Silver Medal for Culture in Trinidad and Tobago in 2005.

He has produced hits such as “Chutney Posse,” “Basmatee,” “Balama Wa Ray,” “Chutney Kirkatay,” “Run for Meh Life,” “Dai Meh family,” “I’m a Trini” and several others.

He has done several social commentaries which have been well received.

In his 2005 hit “Treat Yuh Woman Nice”, he gives advice to men on balancing gender roles and treating women with respect.

Allard is the co-leader — with her brother Philip — of celebrated parang band Los Dinamicos of Vistabella in San Fernando which has been providing the best parang music for many of the years in south Trinidad. She has been lead singer on the group’s many Christmas hits, including “Mueva Te”, “Soca Melinga”, “Saco Bamba”, “Vomas a La Siesta”, “El Sombrero Grande” and “Nacido”.

Los Dinamicos has received musical acclaim over the years for their musical creativity which, combined with their talent and experience, has inspired diverse musical expressions into a novel musical concept.

The band will launched their new double CD, Dinamicos 20th Anniversary Super Hits, at Gulf City Shopping Complex, La Romaine on Saturday from 1 pm.