In recent times, the uniquely Trinidadian chutney music has become something to be less than proud off. The poverty of lyrical content has already been dissected by many, but a disturbing trend recently is the lack of original melody. Today, artistes string words to the melodies of popular film songs coming out of India and pass this out to a public which does not care to be short-changed. No doubt it is an easy way to reach the top of the music charts, but what can these artistes claim as theirs when people compliment the creativity of T&T?
I am sure these singers and writers have talent, but they are doing an injustice to it and by extension to the people who toiled to pass the art form to them and to the country. I invoke the conscience of these artistes and call on the National Council for Indian Culture and the promoters of the Chutney Soca competition to ensure that in future competitions, songs with lifted melodies are disqualified automatically.
Vedavid Manick
Sangre Grande