May 23, 2016: The winners of the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition 2016, were rewarded for their scintillating performances by Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts recently. The prize giving ceremony took place on May 18, 2016 at the National Lotteries Control Board Hospitality Suite, Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.
In delivering the feature address, Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly acknowledged the contribution of chutney music to the richness of the heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. She stated that “over the past two decades, the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition has become an all-embracing event. It has given chutney artistes the opportunity to perform and be cultural ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago”.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Chutney Soca Monarch Winner 2016, KI (Kris Veeshal Persad) who encouraged budding artists to “be part of this lucrative industry because there is a lot of culture to be represented internationally”.
Traditional Chutney Monarch Winner, Rooplal Girdharrie affirmed that “culture is one of the most effective marketing tools and we do it for the love and passion of the culture”.
George Singh, CEO of Southex Event Management Company Ltd, producer of the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition, stated that “notwithstanding the challenges of hosting of this year’s competition, the production of the event was not comprised”.
Also, collecting their prizes were second-place winner Nishard M (Nishard Mayrhoo), $750,000 and third-placed Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar), $500,000. Receiving $100,000 each for placing fourth to tenth were Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal), Kenneth Supersad, G.I. (Imran Beharry), Rick Ramoutar, Adesh Samaroo (Nirmal Samaroo), Veekash Sahadeo and Omadath Maraj.
In the Traditional Chutney Monarch 2016, Rooplal Girdharrie received $150,000 for placing first with his winning song Banai Loongi while Shiva Lakhan, Heeral Rampertap and Asha Kamchee received $50,000 each for placing second to fourth.
Some of the sponsors were National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), 103FM, WinTV, Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Tourism Development Company (TDC).
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For further information please contact:
The Communications Unit
Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts
868-624-5004 Ext. 5145