Omardath Maharaj tastes Chutney joy after 30 years

His wildly popular Ramsingh Sharma which has received heavy rotation this Carnival Season was enough to place him first in a tie with Ravi B who sang Budget, at the finals on the weekend at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

“Through the years I saw my music scoring high in fetes, but when it came to the competition I was unable to score a victory...until this year,” Maharaj said during an interview yesterday. What has brought more joy to him than winning the Chutney Soca crown, is the fact that Ramsingh Sharma has been accepted throughout the country and is in heavy demand in non-Chutney events and shows.

Dealing with the issue of prize-money for 2017, Maharaj said the Chutney Soca music is growing at a rapid pace gaining wider appreciation through the years and this why the authorities should consider a bigger compensation package for those who compete.

Maharaj and Ravi B will split $650,000 - the combined winnings for first and second place. Maharaj heaped praise on Chutney Soca Monarch promoter George Singh for overseeing a successful competition despite several controversies including claims that songs performed at the competition were ripped-off from Bollywood.

“George Singh is a boss. Without the Chutney Soca Monarch competition what stage will there be for chutney singers from all over the country to come and perform to a national and international audience,” he asked. “I am grateful to Mr Singh for the experience.” Maharaj said that the Chutney Soca Monarch has grown in stature and is on par with other national competitions such as the Calypso Monarch and Soca Monarch shows. Artistes in these three genre of TT music work equally hard to put out their songs annually.

“The life of an artiste is not all glamour and celebrity. It is hard because you perform sometimes six to eight hours straight and you move from show to show, week in and week out during Carnival. But I love it and I love bringing Ramsingh Sharma and his antics to the country,” Maharaj said.

Thirty years ago Maharaj started singing religious songs at Hindu temples. He then moved on to singing at Indian weddings, birthday parties and small fund-raising shows. He went on to win three titles at the 103 FM Hall of Fame awards for Best Recording, Best Chutney Song and Song of the Year for Ring Bang.