Vanita Willie last Sunday night clinched the Chutney Monarch title with her song “Live in Harmony”. She sang of loving to see people mingling, being free from stress and remembering to celebrate life. Come what may, she encouraged people to live in harmony and always “spread love”.
Bunty Singh and Vicadi Singh tied with 170 points for second place.
The competition which was held at the National Stadium saw defending champion Kevin Satrohan Singh opening with “Dance in Love”. Decked in red and gold, the singer encouraged people to celebrate love with dance.
Three-time Chutney Monarch Bunty Singh captivated with “Rising On”, advising those listening to never let anyone prevent them from rising.
In his song, the singer shared that his father taught him the importance of money while his mother foresaw him becoming a celebrity because of his talent. Staying focused has kept him on his path and today many know of him and sing his songs, Bunty sang.
Tony Cuttz, known for his popular “Johnny Walker” song remained steadfast to alcohol with his song “The Struggle is Real”.
Tony sang that he understood struggle and knew the pain of losing someone. He invited those relating to this, to join him in having drinks while they wallow in their sorrow.
Wazir Katriah’s song “Come Leh We Go To Guyana” shared that he had always been told that if he wanted to see beautiful places, he needed to leave Guyana. He came to realise how far from the truth this was and when he found his love, he invited her to visit Guyana with him.
Sonia Singh won the ‘Best Newcomer Award’ with her piece “Shake Yuh Waist”.
The song tells of the singer finally having a good time and deciding not to listen to naysayers, a lesson she learned after realising that people still often judge wrongfully no matter what one did.
Chavez serenaded the audience with “If You Go” and through his lyrics counselled them to cherish the ones they loved now not after they had gone. He promised his lover to change his ways.
Nawaz Khan followed with his song “What To Do” after he lost the one he loved. Unable to move on without her, he pleaded with her to return.
A favourite in the Chutney genre, fans were entertained by Vicadi Singh’s “Tek Another”. A skit preceded the song, where he told the story of his mother finding several life partners for him, none of which worked out well.
The song spoke of his third match wedding which subsequently saw his wife take off with his house, land and his brother.
Two-time Chutney Monarch, Roger Hinds sang “Mere Pyaree Dost”, which translates to “Love My Best Friend” and spoke about him having endless love for his female friend. Owing to them being really close, many began to think they were lovers but it was not so. However, he was looking for more from their friendship, while his best friend only saw him as a friend. Because he loved her, he set out to do whatever it took to please her.
While those in the audience waited approximately 40 minutes for the announcement of the winner, Tony, Vicadi and Vanita entertained with their more popular Chutney songs. The event also featured Soca artiste Roger B.
