Kamaldai takes Pichakaaree crown again Wednesday, April 6 2011
TRINIDAD NEWSDAY - By SEETA PERSAD - Caparo singer Kamaldai Nisha Ramkissoon has been crowned Pichakaaree champion once more.
Ramkissoon won the title at the 20th annual competition, held for the first time at the festival ground of the Hindu Prachar Kendra, Ragoonanan Road, Enterprise, Chaguanas. She received a cash prize of $20,000 which is an improvement from the previous year when she took home $12,000.
Although she said she practised hard before the competition, Ramkissoon admitted, “I was really surprised at the result because all the other performers were well received.” Her song was written by Mohip Poonwassie and she was supported on stage by members of the Amritam Shakti Dance Company.
She was high in praise for the promoters of the Pichakaaree competition, Raviji and Geeta Ramsingh saying they have created the perfect stage for singers who wants to deliver a strong message in song.
Ramkissoon thanked her husband, Deonarine Ramkissoon for his support in her singing career. She also praised her mother, Savitri Jaglal for inspiring her during her youth. Ramkissoon is the mother of two – Venatri, 17 and Preetam 19 who is now pursuing his degree in Political Science at UWI.
Poonwassie who also competed in this year’s Pichakaaree, won the prize for the best composition for a song titled “Oh Gypsy Please Tell Me.” He took home $15,000. The prizes at this year’s competition totalled $140,000.
The competition began with a roti eating competition, powder blowing, Pichakaaree, rang barsee (a burst of colours) and the game Makhan chor (butter thief).
A total of 12 finalists appeared before the judges during the Pichakaaree competition. Schoolteacher Savitri Jagdeo was the first contestant singing “No more Balisier.” Tributes were paid to the People’s Partnership and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar by Earnest Emmanuel, while Pundit Bisram Siewdath sang “Daaru (rum) in the chutney,” telling the story of his aunt who added a mixture of alcohol to a hot pepper chutney dish.
In the Social Commentary segment, Daykaliya Ramnanan placed first while Beesram Sewdat came in second position. In the traditional Festive Singer the first place went to Toolsie Ramdass Singh while Lynn Khan-Mohammed came in second position.
The award for Champion Composer went to Poonwassie and awards for “Social Commentary Composer” went to Jennifer Ramdhan and Daykaliya Ramnanan.
The awards for Traditional Festive Composer went to Poonwassie and Jennifer Ramdhan. The award for Theme Composer went to Mukesh Babooram and Reena Teelucksingh. The award for Most Imaginative Use of Hindi went to Poonwassie
The Best Props was won by Poonwassie with Teelucksingh placing second and Beesram Sewdat placing third. The prize for Best Costume went to Poonwassie.
Caroni South MP and Minister in the Ministry of Labour Rudranath Indarsingh was present at the celebrations. He said attempts would be made to have phagwa and Pichakaaree included in the tourism drive.
1. Kamaldai Nisha Ramkissoon is the 2011 Pichakaaree champion.
