Calypsonian, Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds on Saturday night beat a field of outstanding local chutney singers to capture the Chutney Soca Monarchy at the finals held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).
Though the judges’ decision did not go down well with the audience, the one-time calypso king outshone his 15 rivals with his song titled “A Chutney Fuh Meh Larki”.
Wearing a simple kurta suit (Indian wear), with a head wrap and performing without props, Hinds utilised the stage well to belt out his song. Heading into the competition on Saturday evening, the favourites to capture the title were former Chutney Queen, Fiona Singh; 2012 Chutney Soca Monarch Haresh Singh; Pooran Singh and Prince JP, but to the surprise of the audience, Fiona Singh was awarded the second spot and Haresh Singh, the third position, while the others were not placed.
The best new comer prize was awarded to Vanita Willie with her entry “My Guyana Chutney”.
Bill Rogers will be representing Guyana in Trinidad and Tobago on January 26. He is expected to compete with some on the biggest names in the industry, including reigning International Chutney Soca/Monarch Kris Persad (KI); Rick Romotar; Saleem Beharry (Stinky); Neshard; Rikki Jai and others.