As the date draws closer for the semi-finals of the Chutney Monarch competition, the 12 artistes are making sure they are ready to compete with the intention of securing a spot in the finals.
The semi-final is set for the Bath Settlement Community Centre ground on Sunday, February 10, and the final is billed for Sunday, February 17 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground. Reigning Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh will be defending his title on the night of the finals and from all indications, he is optimistic of retaining the title. He is set to perform “Mashaaraani and She Polaures”.
But before he can keep the title, he will have to compete with some young and upcoming and promising artistes. And then there are the ones who have been in the spotlight in the past years.
Pooran Seeraj, a former Chutney Monarch, who had taken a break due to commitments overseas, is back and he will be performing “GT Ladki”. Then there is Steven Ramphall who came in the top three last year and who is also well versed in the business. This year, he will be performing “Rang ke bare”.
Some of the other artistes that have been creating quite a stir are Arijit Singh who will perform “Ring on the lukanee”; Parsasram Singh, also known as “Vicadi Singh” with “Mr Rajput”; Sasnaayan Hitnarayan, also called “Prince HTN” with “Love and Unity”.
The others who are competing for the title are Chandarpaul Nathoo who will be singing his tune “Mash 49”; Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” with “Dulaha Dulahin”; Hamesh Rhyna, called “Entertainer V Star” with “My dreams”; Deonarine Balkissoon, also called “Nishal B” with “I Proud to be a Guyanese”; Satish Udairam with “Mash up Guyana”; and another Berbician, Christopher Ramphal with “Sundar Larki”.
Over the past few days and leading up to the semi-final, the artistes will be rehearsing at the Seawall Bandstand. They will all be accompanied by the Shakti String Orchestra.
