Ravi B KI Drupatee Ramgoonai
Three decades have passed since the inception of the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) competition, a groundbreaking initiative by Southex CEO George Singh. This annual event has evolved into a cornerstone of the Caribbean Carnival calendar, celebrating the fusion of Indian and Afro-Caribbean music. In a virtual interview with Kitcharee for the Sunday Express in Trinidad and Tobago, Singh shared insights into the competition's origins, its impact on the chutney soca genre, and his vision for its future.
The Birth of a Movement:
Singh's encounter with chutney soca in 1995 at a Samar Entertainment Centre event sparked the idea of creating a platform to elevate this emerging genre. Inspired by the energy and popularity of songs like Sonny Mann's "Lotay La," he envisioned a competition that would not only showcase chutney soca but also unite diverse cultures.
"I felt there was a definite place for this music in Carnival," Singh recalled. "For every 'no' I got, I heard 100 yeses in my head."
Elevating a Genre:
CSM has played a pivotal role in elevating chutney soca as a genre, both in Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the Caribbean diaspora. It has fostered a "Chutney Soca Season" and created opportunities for countless artists.
"The rise of CSM created opportunities for artistes," Singh said. "Today it has become one of the biggest competitions in T&T Carnival as well as the most important Indo-Caribbean event in the world."
Southex CEO George Singh. The man behind the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
Beyond the Competition:
The competition's impact extends far beyond the stage, contributing to the development of an entire industry. It has attracted substantial investment, with over TT$100 million directly injected into the chutney soca scene.
"The rise of chutney soca music across the diaspora has been phenomenal," Singh remarked. "It's rapid growth is one of the most significant success stories of Caribbean music."
Surviving the Pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for CSM, forcing organizers to reduce prize money and scale down productions. However, Singh believes the adversity strengthened the community.
"Covid actually made our industry stronger and bonded us together," he recalled. "It was this resilience that allowed CSM to continue to thrive."
Building on a Star-Studded Legacy:
CSM has produced a remarkable roster of winners, including Rikki Jai, Ravi B, KI, and Raymond Ramnarine, who have gone on to represent chutney soca on international stages. Singh also emphasizes the importance of nurturing new talent, noting that 2024 winner Rick Ramoutar got his start in Chutney Star, a competition for up-and-coming artists.
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