Shastri Boodan
The 2023 finals of the Intellectual Chutney Monarch will be in honour of Black Stalin (Leroy Calliste) and Sundar Popo (Sunilal Popo Bahora).
President of the National Chutney Foundation of T&T (NCFTT) Dr Vijay Ramlal-Rai said "Stalin's rendition of a Tribute to Sundar Popo would go down as the epitome of what an Intellectual Chutney song should be about.
"The people of the region have lost this great artiste. His songs appeal to everyone and can be played at any time. Black Man Feeling to Party can be heard at nearly all events and we as Caribbean people identify with that song."
Sundar Popo
Ramlal-Rai said the NCFTT expects to pay over $500,000 in prize money for the competition on February 18 at Skinner Park, San Fernando.
The songs for this year's competition, he said, can be on any topic but must not ridicule any race, religion or gender. Songs can be in English and flavoured with any other language and must have the chutney music's melody/rhythm. Songs must be three to four minutes in length. They expect to choose 15 out of some 60 prospective singers.
"We are merging with Randy Glasgow Productions and the Chutney Land event on the same night at the same venue...We have also requested funding from various agencies, and we are hopeful that they would respond favourably for this, the Mother of All Carnivals according to the NCC chairman."
Interested artistes must call 624-1024 or send messages via WhatsApp to 788-4668.