Ameer Chattergoon ...rising Chutney Soca star
Saturday, February 5 2011

TRINIDAD NEWSDAY - By SEETA PERSAD - Among the 130 artistes who crossed the stage at the Samar’s Entertainment Centre in Debe for Chutney Soca Monarch preliminaries was the youthful, budding star, Ameer Chattergoon. Although he was not among the judges’ picks, he was among the three semi-finalists chosen via the bmobile Wild Card text-voting system.

This new comer to the chutney arena, is now gaining fame for his song, “De Session,” a song which he penned himself.

“I was always into a bit of music and singing and it is quite by chance that this song came up,” he said. According to Chattergoon, he wanted to do a party song that could make people dance for Carnival and at the last minute decided to enter the Chutney Soca competition.

Ameer who is from Jerningham Junction Road Cunupia, is currently pursuing a BSc degree in Physics at UWI. Apart from this he has been teaching since 2007 and has been tutoring students privately in Maths and Physics, at all levels.

He is also a part of a non-profit programme known as SFAS (Sixth Form Association Services) which gives free lesson at the Carapichaima Secondary School over the July- August vacation.

“I must admit that teaching is the most rewarding job I’ve come across. I love music but teaching makes me feel a sense of fulfillment,” he said.

However Chattergoon conceded that music has helped his family, as it is an avenue for relaxation for the Chattergoons. How exactly has this art helped him? He answered, “I believe my art has helped me by understanding how to better interact with people, more so how to understand everything that Trinidadians would appreciate. It has taught me to respect people more, since I understand that every person has their own way about doing things.”

He continued by saying that music has made him a better person, as it helps him to unwind and take his mind off stressful things. Music, according to Chattergoon, has also helped him to stay on the right path as he doesn't drink alcohol nor has he ever smoked in his life.

He gave credit to his parents, Shamirune Joanne Chattergoon and Sarwan Clyde Chattergoon for introducing him to music as a child and encouraging him along the way.

Chattergoon currently performs with the newly launched band, Tempa. He looks up to singers such as India’s Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Suno Nigam, Atif Aslam, Taylor Swift and Eminem. Locally he is inspired by Neeshad Sultan, Rahamut Sultan, Raymond Ramnarine, Anil Bheem, and Indar Kanhai.

Chattergoon’s goals are to one day be a respected teacher, musician, and have a family of his own. “I would like to continue to help people and be a person anyone can turn to for advice or help as the case may be. I want to see our music – soca and chutney soca – reach international level,” he stated.

He went on to say that East Indian culture in Trinidad and Tobago is growing tremendously. However, he was quick to add that those in authority should take another look at culture in TT. “Certain persons who should be recognised are not given the amount of exposure as others. While its great that many artistes are promoted, there should be some equality where persons are judged on their talent and not how famous they are,” he said.