THE remarkable combination of the King of Soca, Queen of Chutney and Queen of Steam, provided the winning formula for Machel Montano to create history and capture the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) crown.
Montano was declared winner around 1.30 am on March 2, of the 30th anniversary CSM competition at Skinner Park, San Fernando, which began at 9 pm on March 1.
The announcement came hours before the five-time soca monarch and ten-time road march winner, headed to the Dimanche Gras Show as the Queen’s Park Savannah, hoping to successfully defend his National Calypso Monarch title.
The king of accolades, Montano was edged out into attaining the National Panorama title with his popular Bet Me, which was played by bp Renegades. Renegades placed second with 285 points to Exodus rendition of Aaron "Voice" St Louis's Too Own Way, which amassed 288 points. He is also going for his 11th Road March title with Pardy.
[caption id="attachment_1141987" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Reshmi Ramlal and Shivonne "Lil Bits" Church perform Poowah Nah Ready at the Chutney Soca Monarch final at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on March 1.[/caption]
In the CSM competition, Machel scored a massive 442 points, 20 ahead of second place winner Neval Chatelal, denying Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal), who placed third with 389 points, a tenth title. Defending champion Rick Ramoutar did not place, and neither were scores given for contestants seven through fourteen.
[caption id="attachment_1141990" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Vanessa Ramoutar and Olatunji Yearwood perform Is ah Indian Wedding at the Chutney Soca Monarch final at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on March 1.[/caption]
In fourth place with a total of 379 points was Warrior Princess Reshma Ramlal, who also captured the Queen of Chutney Soca, in a steamy collaboration with Soca entertainer Lil Bitts (Shivonne Liesl-Anne Churche) of Poowah Not Ready.
[caption id="attachment_1141988" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Saleem "Master Saleem" Shahzada performs Karma at the Chutney Soca Monarch final at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on March 1.[/caption]
Warrior Princess was one of four female contestants who gave outstanding performances to place in the top six. She edged out Vanessa Ramoutar into fifth place by one point.
Ramoutar, in a collaboration with another Soca star Olatunji, was unable to complete her performance, Iz Ah Indian Wedding, as the generator failed. Tassa drummers kept the momentum going on the darkened stage as Ola mouth moved, but no sound emitted from the mics.
[caption id="attachment_1141986" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Terry Gajraj performs Jam Session at the Chutney Soca Monarch final at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on March 1.[/caption]
Hurricane Hemlatha Dindial presentation of Toray Bolay, a song dedicated to her late father, placed seventh with 339 points.
Elaborate sets, including a "Relation Ship," looking more like the Fatel Razack, a golden carriage, huge chulah (fireside made out of dirt), Carnival costumes and a plethora of dancers repre
