20 to vie for CSM title tomorrow

Ten singers will compete in the CSM category and ten will vie for the World’s Ultimate Chutney Challenge (WUCC).

Both Rikki Jai and Omardath ‘Balkisoon’ Maharaj will compete in both categories.

Former monarchs Jai, Ravi B and Rooplal Girdharie will challenge reigning monarch, KI Persad for the top prize of $500,000.

Also in the line-up is Canadian- based Trinidadian Michael S’obrian who will be doing his hit song, Mr Popular. Other competitors are: Rick Ramoutar, Lalchan ‘Rebel Hunter’ Babwah, Nishard Mayrhoo, Shivan R and Slammer Cutter.

Other artistes competing in the WUCC are Drupatee Ramgoonai, Rasika Dindial, Sam Boodram, Terry Gajraj, Rakesh Yankaran, Devanand Gattoo, Adesh Samaroo and Chris Garcia.

They will perform their hit songs from the past. The winner takes home $100,000.

Promoter of CSM, George Singh said he is disappointed about the prize money offered by the Government, but he knows that the chutney artistes have produced hit songs that will encourage public support for this event.

“At the end of the day, the top chutney singers in the land produced big hits this year and it is clear that their song will take them places,” he said.

He noted that overseas promoters have booked singers for shows throughout 2017 and this is a sign that the music is already very much in demand.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts gave CSM $1.18 million for the competition. Singh says this amount is too little for a local show of international standard.

However, he is preparing for a successful event.

The second place winner will receive $150,000 and third place, $75,000. Those placing fourth to tenth will get $25,000 each. In the WUCC category the second to tenth places get $20,000 each.

Showtime is 9 pm and the pa- Canadian-based Chutney singer trons are free before 9 pm.