Not even the rain could have dampened the spirits of thousands of patrons at the Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch final at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on Saturday.They were treated to theatrical and hilarious performances by 17 contestants who displayed various props and antics in their heist to grab the $1 million first prize.
In the end it was Raymond Ramnarine, of Dil-e-Nadan, who mesmerised the patrons and judges while dominating the text votes to take home the chutney soca crown. The show, which saw performances by several new contestants, began around 9 pm with an explosion of beautiful fireworks that lit up the bleak skies.
It would be another two hours before the actual competition began.Dubbed the "Legends of Chutney," the first segment of the show honoured Chutney icons such as Boodram Holass, Ramrajie Prabhoo, Rakesh Yankaran and Rasika Dindial and Sam Boodram. Patrons were also entertained by Bollywood Superstar Kunal Ganjawala.
The entertainment continued straight into the competition with artiste Saleem "Stinky" Beharry grabbing the patrons' attention when he scaled a scaffolding on the stage dressed as superman.Supported by a cable, he then "flew" to the top of a makeshift car on stage.
Another entertaining performance was by newcomer Devon "Prophet Benjamin" Samuel who came on stage wearing a dazzling, shiny, red-and-green outfit.Singing No Lokani, Samuel, of the Bobo Shanti Order, brought a bed on stage with his "wife" and the lokani (a woman who sleeps between the husband and wife for a few days after they are married under Hindu Rites).
At the end of his humorous performance he and his "wife" were carried off the stage in a bicycle carriage. Kenneth Supersad, no stranger to the competitions, left patrons in stitches as he defended women from artistes whom he said were "bad talking" them.
Responding to those artistes who sang about staying single, Supersad teased that those artistes were on the "other side." To support his song he brought on stage three men, including a midget, dressed and behaving like women.
Soca artiste Sherwyn Winchester and Makamillion also stirred up the crowd when they made a guest appearance alongside contestants Rick Ramoutar and Vikash Sahadeo respectively.
By just the mention of Drupatee's name loud cheers echoed from the audience. However, she sang her hit song Indian Gyal, a duet with Machel Montano, solo and placed fifth.The show ended at 4 am when the results were announced.