00:00The Chutney Soka Monarch Competition is celebrating 31 years of music, culture and tradition
00:05and the organizers say the evolution of the event is far from over.
00:10Chief Executive Officer George Singh has announced that in 2026 a traditional Chutney Monarch title will be added
00:17creating three major titles to be awarded on one night.
00:21In 2026 we are adding another title. In 2026 we will also crown a traditional monarch.
00:30That means in 2026 there are now three titles to be won on the one night of Chutney Soka Monarch.
00:38Singh says the move is designed to preserve the authentic elements of Chutney music even as the competition continues to grow and modernize.
00:47So you have the Chutney Soka Monarch, the Queen of Chutney Soka and the traditional Chutney Monarch.
00:56Organizers are also rolling out changes to how artists advance through the competition, introducing a live screened selection process for the first time.
01:05So we have a live screening, in-person screening of artists, which is being done for the first time, which is happening on Saturday,
01:13from which the semi-final names will be announced.
01:17We will have three people sitting down, very much in the style of America's Got Talent.
01:24You come do your thing, we make some comments, right?
01:28And we see who goes to the semi-final.
01:30Another first for this year is the location of the semi-finals, which will be held at the Carnival Food Village at the Queen's Park Savannah,
01:38bringing the event into the heart of Port of Spain.
01:41The semi-final is also being held for the very first time at the Carnival Food Village at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain.
01:50And I'm really, really happy to bring the semi-final to Port of Spain.
01:55Singh says the changes reflect a careful balance, modernizing the competition while ensuring the cultural foundation of Chutney music remains intact.
02:04Charlotte Kisto, TV6 News.
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