‘Radhica’ singer out of Chutney Soca semis

Under poor weather conditions and after ten long hours of performances, most of the top guns have advanced to the semifinal round of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition. Among those who would contest for the $2 million first prize are two former monarchs Rikki Jai and Heeralal Rampartap, as well as Lalchan “Hunter” Babwah, calypsonian Allison Hinds and Drupatee Ramgoonai-Persad. Ramgoonai-Persad is back in the competition after an absence of 12 years. 

However, another former monarch Kenneth “Radhica” Salick has been dropped after the preliminary round. Last year’s third place winner Moses Charles, along with Sina Wayne Maraj (SW Storm) also failed to meet the judges’ approval. The preliminary round on Saturday night at Samar Entertainment Centre, Debe, saw 120 artistes compete before a much smaller audience than last year. The semifinal round will take place on February 5, at Rienzi Complex, Couva. 

The 41 names inclusive of Ravi B, the 2010 Chutney Soca Monarch, who are in the semifinals at Rienzi Complex on February 5 are; 

Alison Hinds 

Andy Singh 

Anil Bheem 

Asha Kamachee 

Davindra Ramdath 

Devindra Gattoo 

Diannedrea Sassy Ramoutar 

Drupatee Ramgoonai-Persad 

Heeralal Rampartap

Hemlatha Dindial 

Kenneth Supersad 

Lal Bharat 

Lalchan “Hunter” Babwah 

Mahendra Ramkellawan 

Michael Saloum – Soca Elvis 

Nankissoor Rampartap 

Nathaniel Natty Ramoutar 

Navin “D Prince” Prabhu

Neeshad Sultan 

Neeshad Prabhu – The Hitman 

Nirmal Adesh Samaroo 

Nishard Mayroo 

O’Neil Bhajman 

Rajin Dhanraj 

Ramdeen Falco Maharaj 

Ricardo Meville – Daddy Chinee 

Rick Ramoutar 

Rishi Ramkissoon 

Sally Sagram 

Samraj Jaimungal 

Sean Caruth 

Shaffiat “Boya” Mohammed 

Surendra Ramoutar 

Terry Gajraj 

Vashanie “Artie” Butkoon 

Veekash Sahadeo 

Vishal “KI” Persad

Wild cards — text voting 

Kamu Skerrit 

Nathaniel Jude 

Ameer Chattergoon