Chutney artistes heat up New York
Thursday, April 7 2011

TRINIDAD GUARDIAN - By Angelo Marcelle - Chutney soca music is alive and well in Queens, New York City. This was clearly proven last month, Club Moka, which is located on 130-35 91st Avenue, between Atlantic and Jamaica Avenues, which is known for it promotion of the indigenous Trinidadian music. Some of Trinidad’s top chutney soca artistes graced the stage to welcoming patrons, many of whom did not attend this year’s Carnival season in Trinidad. Although outside the club was freezing cold, inside was heating up as the chutney soca acts came on stage. The atmosphere gradually built, transforming the event into a mini chutney soca brass festival.

Handsome JMC 3Veni lead vocalist Vishal “KI” Persad, who made it to the final of this year’s National Chutney Soca Monarch competition, had the crowd in the palms of his hands. KI continues to prove himself as a force to be reckoned with on any stage and, with just a little more dedication and one mega hit, he will certainly give the chutney soca fraternity a wake up call. He may even burst a few egos at the same time. The action really got started when the much loved veteran chutney soca star Hunter came on stage and experience took over. Hunter’s song Tanty Man also took him to the 2011 National Chutney Soca Monarch final.

The $2million man, Rikki Jai, who upset fellow competitor Ravi B in the final of the above mentioned competition, came on stage about 3.30 am. After 20 years in the business he showed that his win wasn’t by guess or by fluke. The veteran performer sang Barman, Mor Tor, White Oak & Water and a host of other songs. While Rikki performed an expansive repertoire, those in attendance just couldn’t get enough of the singer, grudgingly leaving the venue soaking wet.