Tonight is the night that the first of two Independence singing competitions will take place to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebration or our independence. On this day, August 18, 2012 at the the biggest venue for Calypso in the country, a place where toilet paper flies when a singer bombs, will host the 50Th. Anniversary of Independence Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
This show is produced by Soutex in conjunction with the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism. The producers intend to host a show that will be second to none in scale and production for the Jubilee celebration of our nation's Independence. The government has provided TT$1.25 Million for the Chutney and the same amount for the Independence Calypso competition. Soutex will be first to show that the investment of the government was well spent.
The finalists are ready and even though some people are not satisfied because their favourite artiste was not selected we have to always keep in mind that the judges decisions are final. The ten contestants selected have produced songs with lyrics that have surprised many. The stigma of Chutney music and the 'rum stamp' was discarded in the Gulf of Paria with lyrics of that praise and bring about a patriotic feeling that leaves behind the stigma of a "Mother India" in favor of "Mother Trinbago'!
The leader of the pack came as a surprise to many with Kenneth Supersad scoring the highest points for the preliminary and semi final rounds with his song titled 'Independence Time'. If he continues in this vein then he should walk away with the first prize of TT$500,000.00. Of course there are other artists who will be coming strong and who have the talent and 'pedigree' to win it all. This year's Carnival Soca Monarch winner Kris 'KI' Persad will be coming strong with his song titled "In My Land". Of course there will the ever popular Rikki Jai with his song titled "Mother Trinbago". Rikki is a very smart and stage savvy performer. He will surely contend for the title of Independence Chutney Soca Monarch 2012. The rest of the contestants include the following: Rooplay Girdharrie singing "Land of Paradise", Arti Butkoon singing "Sweet Trinbago", Soca Elvis singing "Song For The People", Mohip Poonwassie singing "Jubilation Time in Trinbago", Sally Sagram singing "Happy Independence", the original 'Chatnee' Queen Drupatie Ramgoonai singing "Gem Of the Caribbean" and Ramdeen Falco Maharaj who will sing his song titled "Welcome to T & T".
Skinner Park, the baptism of fire playground for Calypso, will be showered with fireworks in grand style along with music productions from JMC 3Veni and Melobugz along with dance performances and a few surprises. Of course the main attraction will be the competition that will take place tonight. The show is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm and should have the feel and excitement of a Carnival production. It will be a grand celebration that should set the stage for a grand Independence celebration. Congratulations to all the contestants and may the best Performing artiste rise to the occasion and become the Independence Chutney Soca Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago.