ROGER Hinds of Region 3 has won the National Chutney Competition which was staged Saturday night on the Anna Regina Community Centre ground on the Essequibo Coast with his song, “Ah looking for a larki”.He first took the chutney crown in the 2013 competition, and reclaimed it this year with a dynamic and entertaining performance that captivated the audience and the eight judges.
Contestants on stage at the National Chutney finals on Saturday night at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground (Photos by Rajendra Prabhulall)
The singer was backed by several beautiful girls dancing to the hot chutney music provided by the Shakti’s String orchestra. As he performed on stage, he had some persons in the large crowd dancing and shouting for more.
The new Chutney King of Guyana has won the top prize of $600,000 and a trophy.
In second place is five-time Chutney Monarch, Haresh Singh with his song “Me best friend getting married and the dulahin ran away on the maticore night”. The former monarch had the large crowd screaming as he made his way on stage to represent Region 2. Haresh’s performance was well received by the colourful crowd with dancing, clapping and screaming. As first runner-up, he has won himself $400,000 and a trophy.
The third place prize of $250,000 and a trophy went to Bunty Singh of Bath Settlement, Berbice for his entertaining performance of “A Facebook larki”. The young singer, who was the final contestant in this year’s National Chutney Competition, had the crowd screaming and dancing with him as he sang on stage. He was backed by several beautiful young girls dancing to the rich chutney music.
BEST NEWCOMER
The Best Newcomer prize of $115,000 was won by Halima Khan, also known as “Princess Halima”. Her performance on stage was dazzling, as she wore a white bridal outfit. Singing “Dulaha dulahin” the singer quickly had the large crowd dancing and rocking behind her with the rich chutney music and hot lyrics.
Appearing first on stage was Harvey Gobin with “Chutney Music”, followed by Wanita Willie with “But Why”. Harseh Singh appeared third on stage with ” Dulahin ran away”, followed by Sonia Narine with “Guyana Gold”.
Princess Halima Khan in full flow Saturday night
Five-time Chutney King, Haresh Singh in action
The new Chutney King, Roger Hinds appeared as the Number Five contestant, followed by Ravi D Mohan with “Free Again”. At Number Seven was Merissa Deodat [AKS Sexy Merissa] from New York, USA with “Ah Pleaser”. Princess Halima Khan was the Number Eight contestant with “Dulaha Dulahin”. Dennis Thatpaul appeared on stage at Number Nine with “Niomi gal”, followed by the defending chutney champion, Pooran Seeraj with “I love my country”.
Contestant Number 11 was Anant Hansraj of Florida, USA, with “D ring”. Steve Ramphal was next in line, singing “Play days”. Another contestant from the USA, J. Lall, was the 13th contestant with “When I was a little boy”, followed by I Bow Tie of Canada with “Sarah darling”.
Bunty Singh on fire with “Facebook larki”
Savithri Li was the Number 15th contestant with “Bangra Nache”, while at Number 16 was Damar Singh with “Essequibo massive”. Coming out of New York, USA was Chris Ken with “No Stress” at Number 18, and at 19 was Bunty Singh of Bath Settlement who rendered “A Facebook Larki”.
The competition was declared open by Region 2 Chairman, Mr Parmanand Persaud.
(By Rajendra Prabhulall)