GUYANA will both be showcased and prominently represented at this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch competition to be held in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.At a press conference hosted yesterday at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, Mr. George Singh, producer of the annual Chutney Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad, announced that local television personality WR Reaz will be one of the television hosts for this year’s event; while Ishara Dance Troupe will be performing at the mega finals.
The semi-final of the Lotto Plus 2014 Chutney Soca Monarch competition, dubbed ‘More than an Event’ will kick off on February 1, 2014, with the grand finale to be held on February 15 at Skinner Park in San Fernando.
Singh said the show has grown over its 18 years of existence, and is now one of the huge events in Trinidad’s Carnival. He said it has become the largest and most important Indo-Caribbean event in the world, and is broadcasted throughout the Caribbean via satellite; and also in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia in the United States. He also said that efforts are being made to air the show in Canada and Miami.
Singh also underscored that, over the last few years, Guyana has played an integral role in the event. He said Guyana will be able to participate via text voting through the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, starting from the semi-finals.
Singh said the organisers try each year “to bring different elements to the table where Guyana is concerned”.
“Chutney Soca Monarch really represents the Caribbean…Guyana is an important part of that cultural landscape, and the music and the culture is very similar to Trinidad’s,” he observed. He added: “Having Guyana involved is a must, and I would like to see more and more of Guyana in that particular show.”
He said this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch competition will see an investment of almost US$3M, and it is supported by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. “These events,” he said, “are very important aspects of development” and the development of the industry and its people and culture.
He said the show is responsible for, and has helped to launch, many artistes, taking their careers to phenomenal levels.
He cited examples of persons like Ravi B, KI and Rikki Jai.
He said the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has now recognised the international Soca Monarch and the Chutney Soca Monarch competitions as the two most important events in its carnival.
“It has become the driving force behind the development of the music, which ultimately drives the festivals that happen all over the world,” he posited.
“It is our hope that the continued development and involvement of Guyanese artistes, coupled with the trust that we bring to the table, can only augur well for the local music industry here in Guyana,” he expressed.
The promoter recalled that 2012 was the first year that three local artistes went straight to the final, and “it was a great experience for them”, he said. Last year, one artiste went after winning the Chutney Monarch competition here.
This year, he said, the music coming out is very exciting. He observed, “We have seen a lot of the traditional Soca artistes in Trinidad crossing over into the chutney market, which I think is very interesting”. This augurs well for the competition, he posited, adding, “It also shows the versatility of the show itself” as he maintained that the Chutney Soca Monarch competition is probably the only event that truly represents all the cultural elements of the Caribbean’.
He informed the media that, this year, the organisers are looking to make the show more competitive, even for the Guyanese artistes taking part; and as such, the local winner will have to qualify through the semi-final round to earn a spot in the finals.
He said foreign-based Guyanese artistes have already entered the competition directly through Trinidad, and some local artistes, including Prince JP and Roger Hinds, have done so as well.
Over US$12,000 will be up for grabs at the finals of this mega show, which is expected to attract some 20,000 persons. And Singh promised that the experience of just being together with fellow artistes is “something that really is good for the industry”.
“I think the Chutney Soca Monarch, in particular, is a great opportunity for Guyanese artistes to be involved,” he said.
Singh reminded that, over the last two years, Guyanese have been involved in the television hosting of the event, and as guest artistes as well.
WR Reaz, in brief remarks expressing his passion for ‘chutney soca’ music, said he considers it an honour, and he is happy to being a part of the team. He said he would be spreading the music and culture of his homeland.
Shivanie Latchman of Ishara Dance Troupe also expressed similar sentiments, and promised to promote her country. She said Ishara is thankful for this huge opportunity, since it is the first time her group, comprising eight persons, will be performing in Trinidad.
(By Priya Ali)