Image via Bing Images © Machel Montano.
The show started with a burst of color and dance; it was a wonderful presentation of Indo-Caribbean culture, but this year Soca rekindled the vibe it initially delivered when Lord Shorty created a new vibe in the seventies. It was the 30th. anniversary show that saw the King of Soca, Machel Montano, and former champion Rikki Jai return to the competition. Colors galore, and the stage was set for an exciting night of performances.
Machel Montano's entry to the competition brought new life to the competition and created a path for more Soca artists to get involved in Chutney Soca music. Machel performed in position eleven, and he tore the roof off the stage. He looked like he just stepped off the boat that arrived from India. He electrified Skinner Park with "Pepper Vine," and with that performance made Lady Lava and Drupatee Ramgoonai winners! There is more: "Pepper Vine" is a production of DJ Private Ryan. Now watch for more Soca music producers getting involved with Chutney Soca… it's going to be a wonderful change!
Neval Chetelal secured the second position with a remarkable performance that showcased all facets of our culture, including African drums and rhythms, the national instrument, and English and Indian lyrics. In third place was former nine-time champion. I did not think that he had a good showing because he was shouting instead of singing, and his voice just did not sound like classic Rikki Jai... he was disappointed!
I have always said that sacrifices have to be made to promote our culture and help it to grow and be all it can be. Our culture should be streamed to the world free of charge and promoted to bring in maximum viewership that will encourage international visitors to the islands. Soutex thought the same and promoted the show as a free event at Skinner Park and online. The Chutney Soca Monarch finals were broadcast globally, reaching audiences via platforms like Apple TV and Roku... smart, intelligent move!
Never poke the beast! Machel said, "It was a meme I saw that said, 'Machel, next year you’re winning Chutney Monarch,' and I thought, maybe I should try out." The rest is history. Next up is the Calypso Monarch (Bet Meh) and Road March (Pardy).
Wait, there is more! Another Soca artist stamped her name in the competition when Lil Bitts was featured with newly crowned Chutney Queen aka "Queen of Chutney" Reshma Ramlal singing a song titled "Poowah Nah" last night. Her performance added a touch of elegance and power to the event, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the evening.
Upon the conclusion of this year's Chutney Soca Monarch, it became evident that the competition remains a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community. Next year will be a wonderful year for the genre. I expect more Soca artists and producers to become involved in the music. Indo music will explode on the scene just as Ras Shorty I thought it would. Here's to another year of unforgettable performances and cultural pride!
The results are as follows:
- Machel Montano
- Neval Chatelal
- Rikki Jai
Queen of Chutney Soca
- Reshma Ramlal
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: BMobile Chutney Soca Monarch Finals 2025
Organizer: Southex
Venue: Skinner Park, San Fernando
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Chutney Soca
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Chutney Soca
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