As the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry rolls out its Republic Anniversary celebration activities, the annual Chutney competition is slated for Saturday January 5.
Sixteen singers will take to the stage of the National Cultural Centre to vie for the coveted title and a chance to represent Guyana in Trinidad and Tobago at the International Chutney Soca Monarch competition on January 26.
The 16 finalists are Norman Seeram with his entry “Hay Mamee”; followed by Fiona Singh with “Jam Jam”; Paramdai Willie with “My Guyana Chutney”; Joel Pharous with “No Curfew”; Rajesh Dubraj with “Come leh we sing and dance”; Joyce Hanif with “Mashramani Fever”; Roger Hinds with “She Roll” and Denis Singh with his entry “Ban Corilla”.
The others include; Steven Ramphal performing “All de ghals”; Dennis Tatpaul with “Mashramani Time”; Pooran Seeraj with “Jheera”; Padmawattie Narine with “Marry me”; Harvey Gobin with “Dularie”; Aamir Khan with “Big Time Lover” and Suraj Narine with his song titled “Plenty Fire”.
The reigning Chutney Soca Monarch, Haresh Singh will defend his title with his selection “Samantha”. The winner of the competition will receive $550,000 while the second spot winner will receive $350,000 and the person with the third position will get $200,000. The best newcomer will get $100,000. The finalists will be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra. Show time for the event is 20:00h and admission is absolutely free.