The National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad of Tobago is getting ready to launch a new event during Carnival 2014 celebrations – the World Chutney Soca Monarch/Festival.
Artistes from around the world will compete for a cash prize of $1 million.
This was disclosed yesterday by foundation president Dr Vijay Ramlal-Rai at a media briefing at Capital Plaza Hotel, Port of Spain.
Ramlal-Rai said, “The competition will take place Carnival Saturday (March 1) at the Ato Boldon Stadium (in Couva).”
With regard to the criteria of the competition, he said more will be revealed at the actual launch.
He stressed: “Absolutely no rum songs or songs against someone’s religion or gender or race will be allowed.
“It is not a straightforward competition where people would just come on the stage and perform. We are looking at using it as a reverse form of tourism,” he added.
Some of the artistes will be coming from Cuba, Guyana, Canada, China and even Dubai.
In total, there will be artistes from at least 25 countries from around the world set to compete.
“This is not a project that came overnight. This has been in the making for years,” Ramlal-Rai said.
Apart from the competition, the event lists an array of activities that include traditional Carnival costume displays, the art of drumology showcasing the pan, rhythm sections, tassa and box base via exhibitions, as well as local culinary delights.
Ramlal-Rai noted there will be several booths at the event showcasing all the country has to offer, and creating an opportunity for international trade via companies and countries having booths showcasing products and services.
“Chutney has grown beyond Trinidad and Tobago and has gone international,” he said.
Vice-president of the National Chutney Foundation Wendell Eversley said there will be worldwide coverage of the event via live streaming, and the event will allow patrons to interact and buy products and services on display.
He noted the top four chutney singers of Trinidad and Tobago will compete with the other 25 artistes from the various countries.
He said, “So far we have approached Rikki Jai and he has assured that he will be there. We have also approached KI, Falco and reigning Chutney Soca Monarch Raymond Ramnarine.”
Ramlal-Rai noted he would like locals and foreigners to come and have a good time, network and do business in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The focus will also be on boosting tourism and trade within the country, he said.
The official launch of the festival will take place next month.
He said, “Only for 2014 we are discussing with agents who they would like to send to compete. However, by 2015, the countries themselves would have to come up with one person to come to Trinidad and represent their country in the competition.”
The National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago is inviting corporate bodies to support the initiative. For more information, call 624-1024 or 392-0755.
Image: Yvonne McLean-Roberts, project manager and accountant for the first World Chutney Soca Monarch/Festival, speaks with Dr Vijay Ramlal-Rai, left, president of the National Chutney Foundation. Looking on is vice president of the organisation Wendell Eversley during yesterday’s launch of the competition at Cruise Ship Complex, Dock Road, Port of Spain