By SEETA PERSAD Sunday, January 20 2013

Chutney Soca Monarch has never had a woman winning the title. This year that could well change as four female singers have made it into the grand finals of the competition, including Chutney Diva, Drupatee Ramgoonai. (See Story on Page 1, Section B.)

Other women making it into the finals are Michelle Xavier, Sally Sagram — who placed second in the Independence Chutney competition, and award winning chutney star Hemlata Dindial.

These four women were among 42 singers who appeared before the judges at Rienzi Complex in Couva on Friday night. Creating waves among the male competitors, and making it into the finals were first-timers Raymond Ramnarine, Prophet Benjamin and Saleem Beharry. Others into the finals include familiar names such as Rikki Jai, Anil Bheem, Lalchan Babwah (Hunter), Omadath Maharaj, Adesh Samaroo, Veekash Sahadeo, Kenneth Supersad, Rick Ramoutar, and Roger Hinds from Guyana. Popular Chutney star from Guyana, Terry Gajraj failed to qualify for the finals.

These stars of Soca Chutney will be going up against the defending champion KI Persad for the top prize of $1million at Skinner Park, San Fernando on January 26.

Rienzi Complex saw a larger crowd than the previous years for the comeptition on Friday night, and many attribute this to megastar Raymond Ramnarine who has won numerous awards for his recordings over the years. In an interview backstage after his performance, Raymond, asked whether he can detrone KI, replied, “I am ready to reach my people and bring entertainment to them. Let them decide the rest.”