Fiona Singh retains Chutney crown

TIMES INT'L

Chutney singing sensation Fiona Singh was crowned Queen of Chutney on Sunday at this year’s finals held at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, Essequibo. Her piece, the “Reality of having money,” was a crowd pleaser.

She fought off stiff competition from former winners Haresh Singh, Rajiv Dubraj, and pre-final favourite Mahendra Ramkellawan with his popular hit “Dem ah watch meh”. However, in the end, it was Haresh Singh who got second and Ramkellawan third.

The competition was judged in three categories: presentation, rendition and melody. Fiona Singh pocked Gy$550,000 along with trophies, while Haresh won himself Gy$350,000 and a trophy. Mahendra, who gained 242 points, got a cash prize of Gy$200,000 and a trophy.

After being announced winner, Fiona said she was shocked, although she had done all the hard work to win. “I worked tirelessly for this”. Fiona said that her song was based on money and being independent. She said that when one has money one automatically becomes “independent”. She urged every female in Guyana to strive for independence, and she ended by saying that freedom is guaranteed.

Haresh, who was optimistic throughout the competition, said that his song, “Wa Bhajera Sangeet,” is original. According to him, he placed third last year, but he noted that, this year, he has improved. Haresh said that he has worked over one month to put together his song.

The other competitors were soca sensation Adrian Dutchin, who competed in this year’s contest for the first time, along with other newcomers such as Kawalpatti Couchman, Joel Pharous, Johnny Samaroo, Britney Rajcoomar, Andrew Busjith and Mona Ramsewl. Popular chutney artists Pooran Seeraj, Kamla Rampersaud and Bunty Singh also contested for this year’s title, along with Dennis Tatpaul, Beesham Jairam, Amir Khan and Savetri Li. Both Jairam and Bunty Singh won the Most Promising Artistes prize in the past, and were hopeful about their chances this year. The contestants were backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra.

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