THE Grand Stand at Queen’s Park Savannah came alive on Wednesday as young talents Marcus McDonald and Katelin Sultan emerged as the champions in the 2024 Schools Intellectual National Carnival Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
Ten-year-old Katelin Sultan, representing Warrenville TIA Primary School, claimed victory in the primary school category with her performance of “Unity,” amassing an impressive 355 points.
Not only did she secure the top spot, but Sultan also earned the special prize for “best lyrics.”
In the secondary school category, Marcus McDonald, of Presentation College, San Fernando, clinched the title with 347 points for his song “Fusion.”
McDonald’s charismatic presentation also earned him the People’s Choice special prize, resonating with the audience and showcasing his musical prowess.
Zkinga Moses from Queen’s Royal College (QRC) stood out with his poetic flair, winning the “best lyrics” special prize. Moses secured the second position in the secondary school category with 337 points for his song “What We Need.”
The final results for both categories are as follows:
Primary Schools Category:
- Katelin Sultan – Warrenville TIA Primary School
- Jah’Majesty Charles – Lower Morvant Primary School
- Celbrit-T Charles – Lower 3. Morvant Primary School
- Zain Alleyne – Couva South Primary School
- Joshua Quashie – Carapo RC Primary School
Secondary Schools Category:
- Marcus McDonald – Presentation College, San Fernando
- Zkinga Moses – QRC
- Isabella Williams – ASJA Girls’ College
- Sahara Jeffery – St Joseph Secondary School
- Dabria Baptiste – St Joseph’s Convent (San Fernando)
- Andria Roberts – Couva West Secondary School
- Sinai Millington – Sangre Grande Secondary School
- Kayla Le Gendre – Marabella South Secondary School
- Samiaya Roberts – Sangre Grande Secondary School
Despite her young age, Katelin Sultan has been making waves in the industry, performing since the age of six and previously winning the Princes of Chutney Music/Chutneymusic.com Rajkumari in 2023. Sultan’s success continued last year when she became a finalist in the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, securing the fifth position and also winning the Queen of Chutney Soca title.
Marcus McDonald, an established musician, faced previous setbacks with the rescission of his Junior Calypso Monarch title in 2023. He initially won the Junior Calypso Monarch in 2023 but his titled was rescinded in March when the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) disqualified him for breaching Rule 3:4. However, he has proven his resilience and musical talent once again with this latest triumph in the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
The competition showcased the impressive skills of these young performers, hinting at a promising future for Trinidad and Tobago’s Chutney Soca scene.
