Pellau Magazine

Credit - Trinidad Guardian
Despite no government funding, the National Carnival Chutney Soca Monarch scored big at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on Saturday night. It was an overwhelming crowd turnout at the first edition of the show which saw Guardian Media Limited’s Radio Sangeet 106.1 radio host Rick Ramoutar taking the first prize of a new Ford Fiesta car. With the thousands in attendance, former San Fernando mayor and show promoter Ian Atherly said he was happy with the overall show, but was a bit disappointed that more people did not show up at the park.

Many shared Atherly’s sentiment that is was good that chutney soca had returned to San Fernando. The original event, hosted by Southex Promotion, was relocated to Port-of-Spain which caused much displeasure and debate by lovers of the art form.  

Among those who were pleased with Saturday night’s show were Rikki Jai, Ramoutar and radio personality Vijay Mahabir who hosted the show alongside television host Samantha John. It was the first victory in a chutney soca competition for Ramoutar. Interviewed after the show, Ramoutar said: “It’s my first victory ever since I started to compete and I am very proud of it tonight. “The show was a success and all the competitors gave 100 per cent...I will certainly be back next year to defend my crown.”  Ramoutar, who placed third in Southex’s Chutney Soca Monarch final this year, performed I Wish Ah was Single, which proved to be a crowd favourite. His performance, filled with energy, was just enough to give him the title ahead to second place finisher Chris Garcia. 

Garcia had the audience waving to his tribute song to the late chutney King Sundar Popo. The show was held in remembrance of the legend. Third place went to Sally Sagram who hyped up the crowd with a great presentation. Among others who participated on the night were Nishard Mayhroo, Artie Butkoon, Drupatee Ramgoonai and Devanand Gatoo. After the performance, Atherly said: “As you know, this is our first venture and amidst all the controversy, I think we have done pretty well I am indeed happy. The show was not without glitches as Neshan Prabhoo, also known as The Hitman, was quite displeased about the lighting and that he was given a microphone with a cord to perform. There were also top notch entertainment rendered by Rikki Jai, Black Stalin, David Rudder, The Siparia Rhythm Section and many others. The wife of Sundar Popo also received a plaque in his honour, along with Abbi Blackman for the contribution to music made by her father, the late Garfield Blackman sobriquet Ras Shorty I.