By Sue-Ann Wayow
NINE-time Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) champion Rikki Jai said it was good to come back home to the CSM grand stage at Skinner Park, San Fernando on Saturday night.
Although he did not win the crown this time, he did not fail to engage the crowd, making his entrance on stage in a grand carriage prop when he performed in position number nine.
Jai last competed in the CSM in 1996 and placed third in CSM 2025 with his song “Happy Anniversary” to commemorate the CSM 30th anniversary.
Speaking with AZP News following his performance, Jai said he considered himself “The last of the Mohicans.”
“It was good to come home. Come home to my people to my audience in Skinner Park which I considered my stepping ground. I went out there and had fun,” he said.
Jai added, “We did our best as I suspect most contestants will. We had a plan we went out there and executed and nothing really fell short of what we were supposed to do.”
When asked how he felt about newly crowned Chutney Soca Monarch Machel Montano competing in the CSM, Jai replied, “I have collaborated with Machel with music before, I have travelled in other parts of the world with him so its nothing new to me, I have competed against him in Soca Monarch as well but its nice that he took the time to come into Chutney Soca Monarch and bring that energy and bring that vibe to Chutney Soca Monarch in 2025.”
Jai was amongst 14 competitors who all came with elaborate props, a team of dancers, some with moko jumbies and Tan Tan and Saga Boy all giving their best while vying for the CSM crown that went to Montano.
Many paid tribute to the chutney greats that paved the way and some used the opportunity to honour their parents.
Even after the results were announced at around 2 am, patrons continued partying into the wee hours of Sunday morning with entertainment by Ravi B and Karma, Nishard M and Savita Singh.
