More prize $$ for Chutney Soca Monarch

MORE prize money is being put up for the 2004 National Classic Chutney Soca Monarch competition. A total of $280,000 will be up for grabs.

The winner of the competition will get $100,000 in cash.  Second prize is $60,000; third, $40,000; fourth, $20,000 and fifth, $10,000. Contestants placing sixth to 15th will each receive $5,000. There will also be new rules for the competition. A major change next year is that the reigning champion will have to qualify for the grand final, going through the semi-final round to qualify along with 14 other contestants.

There will also be a ‘no-tie’ rule. The judges will be instructed to break a tie if one does occur. Then judging criteria has also been changed. Twenty points will be given for singing technique, 15 for rhythm, 20 for lyrics, 15 for presentation, 20 for crossover and 10 for impact. The competition kicks off on January 17 at the Samar Entertainment Centre, Penal. The semi-final round will be held at the Rienzi Complex in Couva and the grand final at Skinner Park in San Fernando on February 7.