Chutney Soca finalists vex
Grumbling over losers' prizes Friday, February 18 2011
TRINIDAD EXPRESS - By Carolyn Kissoon South Bureau - More Chutney Soca Monarch bacchanal is brewing as finalists for tomorrow's competition are fuming over the difference between the $2 million first prize sponsored by the State and the rest of the placings. The venue for the competition is Skinner Park, San Fernando
Promoter George Singh announced yesterday that the second place prize would be $100,000, the third place $60,000, and the others placing fourth to 15th would get $30,000.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to attend the competition.
Singh said the $520,000 prize money was funded "through other sources" and would be paid by Southex Promotions at a date to be announced.
Reigning Chutney Soca Monarch, Ravi B, received a first prize of $200,000 in last year's competition. The show has been described as one of the largest and most expensive productions for Carnival 2011.
Ravi B who will perform his hit "Cyar Come" and his presentation this weekend would cost more than $300,000.
"But for me it is not really about the money. It is about the title. I want to prove that I can do it one more time," he said.
Rikki Jai, five-time Chutney Soca Monarch, said he was disappointed with the prizes.
"It is disheartening for the entertainers in this competition. The drop from $2 million to $100,000 is disappointing. I think not much thought has gone into the prizes," he said. Jai, who would be performing his hit song "White Oak and Water", suggested the $2 million prize money be distributed among the 15 contestants fairly.
"I would have given a $1 million first prize, $400,000 second prize, $200,000 third prize and then give the others about $50,000 each. Everyone would have left Skinner Park satisfied," he said.
Kenneth Supersad is also disappointed with the prizes. He will perform "D Mako" at the finals and his presentation has exceeded $20,000.
"I really don't think that is a good breakdown. I would have given a first prize of $1 million and shared the rest accordingly among the others. I know the Prime Minister promised the $2 million on the campaign trail, but not everyone agrees with that," he said.
Simone St Clair, manager for finalist Drupatee Ramgoonai, said artistes were investing large sums of money for the finals.
"It is disappointing because if they don't make it to the first place the artistes will lose. But we know a commitment was made for the $2 million first prize."
Drupatee has always had a budget of $20,000 to $40,000 for competitions. "But I am happy that chutney is getting the same recognition as soca music," she said.
Several calls to Singh's cellphone yesterday were unanswered. Employees at his Independence Avenue, San Fernando, office said he was unavailable.
