I am an avid supporter of chutney soca and always keep up with all the contestants' contributions at past and present competitions. Discussions among my friends and co-workers have brought together the following points which I hope Mr George Singh takes notice of:
1. The text-to-vote system is indeed unfair as it came as no surprise that the three most advertised and promoted contestants placed first, second and third. Still, congratulations are in order for Raymond who is truly a cultural ambassador.
2. Re-consider a judging system or a 50 per cent judging system combined with 50 per cent text-to-vote. In all fairness, Omardath Maharaj would have scored high points for best lyrics, most applicable to the season, most original...Kenneth Seepersad would have definitely scored high for most humourous. Opinion is that a few of the other songs were a comeback from last two seasons with just a new tune.
3. A more appropriate commentator instead of just pretty faces to host the show. Mr Shamoon Mohammed would have indeed done justice to the show.
4. Two contestants–Prophet Benjamin and Rick Ramoutar–had dancers who were shockingly, crudely vulgar and were more suited to a Jamaican dancehall than on a chutney soca stage. Remember that the younger generation is looking on.
5. Too late start to the show and long lapses between performances were definitely a negative. We commend the MC who improvised on stage and even did a little show of his own to pass the time.
However, the music and fireworks display were awesome and the legends of chutney who took to the stage were refreshing to watch as they brought back memories of how chutney songs evolved and progressed. Mr Singh has to be congratulated on his persistence, dedication and hard work in ensuring that chutney soca is recognised worldwide.
S Ramdath
Freeport