9-time Soca King, Machel Montano wins 1st Chutney title

– ‘Guyanese Baboo’ honoured for contribution to music industry

Machel Montano, who has won the International Soca Monarch six times, the Trinidad and Tobago Road March title 10 times, and the Calypso Monarch once, was in the wee hours of Sunday crowned Chutney/Soca King – making him the first musician in the Twin-Island Republic to have won all the major titles.
The 51-year-old entered the competition for the first time with his entry ‘Pepper Vine’. The competition, with 34 entries, saw 10 of the top performers heading into the finals on Saturday evening at Skinner Park, San Fernando, including Guyanese Terry Gajraj as a wild card entry.
The Guyanese Baboo was also honoured by the CSM for his contribution to Chutney music for the past decades. This is the 30th edition of the competition.

While the sole Guyanese did not place in the competition, he was thankful for being given the opportunity to perform. He congratulated his friend Machel for winning the title and also the other artistes for their exceptional performances.
“Thanks to Mr George Singh, CSM and the beautiful people of Trinidad for the 30th Anniversary Award… It was great sharing the stage with so many talented finalists…I sincerely appreciate the love and hospitality from all the Trinidadian fans and friends.”
At the end of the night, Montano emerged victorious, with two-time chutney monarch, Neval Chatelal, in second position and nine-time winner, Rikki Jai, copping the third spot.
Reshma Ramlal was crowned Chutney Soca Queen with her tune “Poowah Nah Ready”, while Vanessa Ramoutar was second, and Hemlata Dindial third.
After winning the men’s title, Montano told reporters that he was honoured to have won the title but could not have done it without his incredible team. “Big love first to the song creators – DJ Private Ryan, Jus Now, Drupatee & Lady Lava…”

He also told the Trinidadian press that it was a meme on social media that inspired him to enter the competition. “It was a meme I saw that said Machel next year you winning Chutney Monarch and I said maybe I should try out. I feel so happy, satisfied.”
On Sunday, he posted on his social media page, “To my production team, Susan, Lorraine, Keziah, the Monk Band members, Rishi & band, the Shiv Shakti Dancers, XO Zess Dancers, Tan Tan & Saga Boy, Roaring Iron Riddim section, Timbales Guy, and the entire CSM team! Y’all made this moment unforgettable! Chutney Soca to the world!”

The energetic performer was set to perform at the Calypso Monarch competition on Sunday evening, and if he is victorious, he would win the title for the 2nd time.
After winning the female competition, Ramlal encouraged persons in the chutney industry to keep the culture and music alive while adding that winning the title came with sleepless nights, team effort and a commitment to promote the art form.
“It was tireless nights, sleepless night. I got a lot of mishaps on the way, but my son Drowsy Entertainment had my back… I have been doing competitions for several years, but this is my fifth year in the final.”
She added that her competitors brought out their ‘A’ game and that they all worked very hard for this competition. She thanked her team for their tremendous support and looks forward to a new and exciting year ahead.
Meanwhile, some of the other contestants in the competition were 2024 winner Rick Ramoutar, Saleem Beharry, Veekash Sahadeo and others.