Essequibo: Preparations are underway for the popular chutney singing competition which is slated for Saturday, January 31, at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground. This year’s competition will see 18 artistes including five overseas-based Guyanese contending for the title of chutney king or queen.
The competition, part of activities for Mashramani, is expected to feature grand performances from the finest of chutney singers, including the reigning 2014 chutney monarch, Pooran Seeraj, 2013 chutney winner and 2008 calypso winner, Young Bill Rogers, and GT&T Bollywood winner, Bibi Halima Khan, all competing for the chutney king or queen 2015 title.
The Government Information Agency visited the rehearsals at the Shakti Strings Band Room, where the contestants were fine-tuning their pieces, and spoke to some of the artistes.
Five-time chutney contestant Savthri Li, also known as Lady P, who hails from the West Coast of Demerara, said that she is fully geared for the competition, with her song “Bangra Nache”, which means a stylish Indian dancer.
Bibi Halima Khan, first time chutney contestant, who hails from West Bank Demerara, stated that she is well energised and will present a full blast of performance with a spicy song “Dulaha Dulahin,” which defines a typical bride and groom. She said her preparations are well underway with the backing from actors and six dancers from the Shalita Dance troupe.
Meanwhile, reigning 2014 Chutney Monarch Pooran Seeraj expressed confidence in retaining the title in this year’s competition with his song “I Love Guyana,” bearing the meaning of Guyana’s 45th Republic Anniversary.
“I will be going out there to continue my reign as king. I choose that song because I decide to go more patriotic, and last year’s song, “Under the Maarow” was more to the wedding style. I will be brining my ‘A’ game and going all out to win, with my best performance, because I think I know what it takes and entails to continue reigning as the king,” he said.
The competition will feature performances from the Shakti String Band.
The first place winner will receive $600,000, second place winner $400,000, while the third place winner will have $250,000. The best newcomer will receive $100,000. Trophies also accompany winning performances. Mashramani 2015 is being celebrated under the theme “One People, One Culture, One Celebration.”
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