The Anna Regina Community Centre Ground came alive on Sunday night as hundreds flocked the venue to support their favourite artistes vying for the National Chutney Monarch 2019.
Newly-crowned Chutney Monarch Steven Ramphal during his performance
After some excellent performances, Steven Ramphal was named the winner for his tune, “Rang Ke Baare” followed by the 2018 Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh, who performed “Pholourie”. The third spot was won by former Chutney Monarch, Pooran Seeraj with “GT Ladki” and rounding off the top spot was Arjit Singh who performed “Ring on the Lukanee”.
An elated Ramphal was lost for words after the announcement. The young artiste, who also secured second place at the Carib Soca Monarch, said that he remained humble during the competition and had his eyes on the prize from the inception.
However, the show was of high standards which saw the Shakti Strings Orchestra accompanying the artistes. As Trinidadian Chutney singer, Adesh Samaroo took to the stage, the crowd went hysterical. He was the guest performer at the event promoted by the Social Cohesion Ministry.
Fourth place winner Arjit Singh on stage
However, the lone female singer, Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” of Berbice who performed “Dulaha Dulahin” at the semi-finals claimed that she was cheated.
She told Guyana Times that while on her way to Essequibo, she was told to return to Berbice since the winners of the competition were already chosen. She also claimed that she attempted to speak to an official but did not get any satisfaction.
Meanwhile, the winner will collect $1 million along with two airline tickets to any Caribbean Airlines destinations.
The second place winner will receive $600,000 while the third place winner will receive $400,000 and $200,000 will be given to the person who secured the fourth spot.
