Sea of white at ‘Chutney Glow’

Despite the inclement weather, thousands of chutney fans turned up to the recent “Chutney Glow” celebrations wearing white to symbolise “the glow” at Screamers 2 car park in Gulf View, San Fernando, last Saturday evening. Kicking off at 10 pm, the show was carried live on TV6 and featured the talent of four big bands — JMC Trevini, SSL Melobugs, Dil-E-Nadan and TTEC Gayatones. The fans got a mixture of calypso, chutney, bangra, rock and roll and film songs, as the top chutney stars shone before the television cameras.

Trevini, led by versatile musician Veerendra Persad, also featured the talent of Anil Bheem, who opened the show with a new selection — “Mario and Chitra.” Sexy songstress Sarika Mahabir gave an outstanding performance of the late Onika Bostic’s song, “All Is Yours.” Papa Steve then took the stage to perform Blackie’s popular tune If Ah Hook and, “Nookie.” Mastana Bahar’s top prize winner, Sudesh Jagroo, performed “Ochos Mochos” to bring Trevini’s stint to an end.

The second band on stage, SSL Melobugs led by Rishi Mahatoo, lifted the crowd as they delivered hit songs from their new album, Climax Extreme 2. Melobugs star Andy Singh had the women screaming for more when he did the remixed film song “Tere Mere.” He later sang the chutney tunes “I Doh Lie,” “Ugly in Day Light” and “Cell Phone Stress.” Dressed in a white top and complimenting pants, the youthful Artie Butkoon sang her hit song, “Who the Hell is Poosungee,” with great back-up from band members Devita Ram, Navita Mahatoo and Duffy. The talented Raymond Ramnarine from the band Dil-E-Nadan hit the stage after to do his favourite love song, “Some Day I’ll See You Again.”

TTEC Gayatones, led by Rishi Gayadeen, saw the talent of Nishad Sultan doing the new chutney song, Bakabana.” Davendra Ramnath took to the stage to perform, “Buss Up She Peas,” and at 2.45 am on Sunday morning, Denise Belfon hit the stage to belt out her hit “Juma Juma.” Adesh Samaroo then took the microphone from Denise to perform “Catmeat.” He later rendered many of his hit chutney songs of the new season. 

Former chutney monarch Rikki Jai made a special guest appearance with his chutney hit “Mor Thor,” The show ended at 3.30 am with Preston Andrews doing “Sugar Daddy.” TTEC Gayatones provided music for all the stars who sang into the wee hours of the morning. The show was punctuated with dances by the Nirvana Dancers as well as Durga Shakti Dance company. Chutney Glow is a production of Island Styles Entertainment in collaboration with Southex Promotions, and is one of the major events for Carnival each year.