By Chantalé Flecther
THE International Chutney Soca Monarch has seen a boom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This according to a release from the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) on Friday.
CEO of Southex Promotions George Singh, said, “For the semi-finals this year, 32 separate videos were recorded and posted to Facebook, YouTube and social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. Judges were in-person to adjudicate and made up 60% of the vote, with online voting making up 30% and viewership accounting for the final 10%.”
He said the 2022 edition has enjoyed up to four million views across all of its social media channels for videos promoting the event and ones with entrants’ videos.
Singh said, “Even with repeat views by the same persons overlapping, this is an incredible number for what was once considered a non-Carnival event.”
He said he has had to battle over the years, and still does, to prove that Chutney Soca has a place in Carnival. “We would never have known this interest existed across T&T and indeed across the world had it not been for the pandemic.”
Meanwhile, General Manager Shared Services at TSTT, Gerard Cooper noted his pride at the Chutney Soca Monarch’s continued growth as a viable and technology-driven brand.
He said, “Holding our culture up for the world to see gives us immense joy and allows us to show the world just how diverse we are in our talent. There is room for all areas of our Carnival to grow with the right inputs of corporate partnership and the right elements of technology and social media too.
“We are working hard to maintain and build on what we did in 2021 when there were no physical events allowed.”
Five women will compete for the 2022 Chutney Soca Queen crown currently held by first titleholder and defender Nisha Ramsook.
Ramsook expressed gratitude for the opportunity as the first Chutney Soca Monarch Queen and wished everyone the best in the upcoming competition.
While, Imran ‘GI’ Beharry, will also return to defend his crown as Chutney Soca Monarch King.
Beharry said he planned to give it his very best, and hoped to make it three in a row, “a three-peat – and make history.”
Singh added the Grand Final will feature an exceptional opening performance by the “World’s Greatest Chutney Soca Artiste” Ravi B and his full band Karma featuring Nisha B and Abbyshi.
Tickets are limited tickets and would be available for the Grand Final at SAPA in San Fernando on February 26.
All patrons must observe all public health protocols and must show proof of vaccination.
Singh highlighted an all-inclusive weekend giveaway for one lucky viewer by Tropikist Beach Hotel and Resort, lots of hampers, and a special door prize from Dansteel Limited.
Below is a list of the 14 finalists that will compete against GI Beharry (GIB):
- Ranjeev Ramdeen – New York – (RLR)
- Raquel John – (RSJ)
- Master Saleem – (RUM)
- Neeshan ‘Hitman’ Prabhu – (NPH)
- Ramrajie Prabhu – (RPQ)
- Veejai Ramkissoon – (VSR)
- Ricky Khando – (RRK)
- Navin ‘D Prince’ Prabhu – (PNP)
- Nel Ramdass – (NEL)
- Daddy Chinee – (DCJ)
- Shazzie Ramsumir – (SHZ)
- Nisha Ramsook – (NIS)
- Kenneth Salick – (KEN)
- Captain Kendal – (CAP)
TSTT said Bmobile customers can text their favourite ARTISTE CODE to 64726 from any bmobile number in Trinidad and Tobago at a cost of $2, while international voting and customers of other providers in T&T can text their favourite ARTISTE CODE to 1-868-798-2661.
However, the cost of the text will be determined by their service provider.
