First off the name of the Show is a smart one and one that will get the attention of the public: National Carnival Chutney Soca Monarch. Watch the words national and Carnival together that identifies with the National Carnival Celebration. The naming of the festival was a smart and surely done with purpose and motivation to get the attention of the public. San Fernando can now say that they are once again hosts of another grand competition!
Secondly, this show is was produced by the National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (NCFTT). Note the fact that a national organization is backing this show with the emphasis on 'National'. It is obvious that former Mayor of San Fernando and national cycling icon Ian Atherly did his homework when he organized this show.
Thirdly, the show was held in the heartland of Chutney music that is easily accessed from Central and Southern Trinidad. This area is the heart and Soul of Chutney music. When George Singh moved his Soca Monarch Show to Port-of-Spain to place the show in the National spotlight and also to try and access the population of Northern Trinidad the faithful from central and Southern Trinidad felt jilted. They supported that show from its inception and now they felt abandoned. This new show will get the support of these jilted Chutney music lovers who have no interest in traveling to Port-of-Spain in support of the Chutney Soca Monarch show.
This year was the inaugural show for 'The National Carnival Chutney Soca Monarch' and Rick Ramoutar, who placed third in the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, wrote his name in the history books as the winner of the first show. The prize for this show is pale in comparison to the TT$1M first Prize of the Chutney Soca Monarch but decent enough to make it count. The first prize was a Ford Fiesta car and a $50,000.00 recording contract. At least the show has the right idea and has placed its stamp in an attempt to improve the recording rights of the winner. The second prize was $75,000.00 won by Chris Garcia with the third prize of $50,000.00 going to Sally Sagram.
The fact that this show was hosted at Skinner's Park will have many thinking that they attended the 'original' show. I see this show growing faster than the original show that was moved to Port-of-Spain this year. Competition is always a good thing and this new show will open the door for many artistes who could not make it to the Chutney Soca Monarch Show.
Now is the time to take notes for future engagements of these two shows. Both shows mean greater exposure for Chutney Music and it Ian Atherly has his way then next year's show may be even bigger and better than the show they started this year. Congratulations and success to all who are endeavoring to promote the culture.
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). Lend me your ears... Enjoy!
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Rick Ramoutar - Ah Wish Ah Was Single