Chester Sambrano
Eight-year-old Katelin Sultan has created history by advancing to the final of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
The Chutney Soca Semi-Final took place before a packed venue at Screamers in Debe on Saturday.
According to competition organiser, Southex, 29 performers put their best foot forward as they tried to make the cut for the grand final now scheduled for Fantastic Friday (February 17) at the newly renovated Skinner Park in San Fernando.
Ricardo Melville, aka Daddy Chinee, topped the semi-final round with ‘We are One’, while Kenneth Supersad was close behind with his rendition ‘Moonilal’.
The female artistes also brought their A-game.
However, Katelin Sultan, the 8-year-old, who created history as being the youngest person to ever qualify for a semifinal, accompanied and supervised by her parents, did an elaborate presentation on stage.
13 artistes, inclusive of GI Beharry, who is defending his title, will now move to the final.
GI Beharry is also trying to create history by being the only artiste to achieve a ‘beavertrick’ at Chutney Soca Monarch.
The 13 performers who have qualified for the final are:
KENDALL JAGGERNAUTH
NARI RAGHUBIR
KENNETH SUPERSAD
JAIRAM DINDIAL
RICARDO MELVILLE
AVINASH SOOKRAJ
NIGEL GOBIN
KATELIN SULTAN
SHAZZIE RAMSUMAIR
RICK RAMOUTAR
RAMRAJIE PRABHOO
EDWARD RAMDASS
GI BEHARRY (DEFENDING CHAMPION)