Chutney Soca Monarch contestants embrace harmony in diversity

THE 2025 Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) semifinals can be described as a collaborative night of music, featuring artistes from diverse backgrounds, but with one message to transform the competition's landscape.

CSM, held at La Tropical, La Romaine on February 8, saw a fusion of the different cultural expressions of TT. From performers to the dancers, the mix was echoed as the dancers embraced all styles of costuming, integrating African and Indian elements.

From the start of the competition around 10 pm, with reigning Calypso Monarch Machel Montano, who sang Pepper Vine, a collaboration with Drupatee and Lady Lava, to the end, around 1.40 am, there were appearances by Jadel, Lil Bits, Reece, Olatunji and SuperBlue, supporting other contestants with their unique styles and rhythm.

The love and unity among the genres of soca, calypso and chutney was pulsating.

San Fernando mayor Robert Parris, who briefly addressed the packed audience, hailed CEO of Southex and CSM promoter George Singh “as a pioneer of diversity in our culture.”

In this, the 30th year of CSM’s existence, the love and unity theme was consistent throughout the three-and-a-half-hour-long show, with some of the artistes themselves, like Neval Chatelal, a two-time former monarch, calling for harmony in diversity.

During his delivery of Vibration in position number 24, Chatelal called on Rishi Guyadeen and his band to lower the music as he appealed to the audience to show love where there is division and hate, and respect where there is disrespect.

“We can only do this together,” he said, as the audience applauded.

In the competition, soca star Olatunji was transformed into a dulaha, an Indian groom, as he teamed with chutney soca artiste Sexy Vanessa in a celebration of love. Singing Indian Wedding, The two gave a performance which recreated elements of an Indian wedding, aided by dancers and an elderly Indian woman who danced with sometimes sensual movements to demonstrate what happens on the wedding night.

Coming after that performance, which had the crowd surging forward in the confined space to get a better view of the stage, SuperBlue entered with competitor Robin J.

Not to be outdone by Ola and Sexy Vanessa, who lived up to her name with her dress and movement, SuperBlue brought his own brand of energy, in an electrifying collaboration, singing in position number 32, to end the competitive element of the show.

Defending champion Rick Ramoutar ended with a guest performance.

Jadel, in collaboration with Shiva M, was electric as he called on her to come party with him. So too, Lil Bitts dressed in a short black one-piece outfit and tall black boots, with another fierce competitor, Warrior Princess.

Hurricane Hemlatha blew away the audience with her provocative wear and dance routine.

Rawytee Ramroop, the 2024 queen, was not to be outdone, as she paid tribute to two artistes who had passed away in the past year, Anil Bheem and Rennie Ramnarine, with a song titled Be There for Me.

The competition also saw the return of Adesh Samaroo, Chris Garcia and nine-time monarch Rikki Jai, among regulars like Daddy Chinee, also a former monarch.

Thirty-two contestants faced the judges on Saturday night, all vying for one of the eight spots up for grabs in the finals in an attempt to dethrone Ramoutar for the $400,000 purse and crown.

Ten contestants will compete in the finals at Skinner Park, San Fernando on March 1, but only eight places are available, as Ramoutar will defend his crown and Guyana’s Terry Gajraj has earned a spot in the 30th anniversary show as the "wild card" in the bunch.

The results of the semis will be revealed at 1 pm on February 10.