The Chutney Soca Monarch is the most important and largest Indo Caribbean event in the world.
Held annually, it has also become one of the ‘Big Four’ events in our Carnival every year, the others being the International Soca Monarch, the Dimanche Gras and the Panorama Finals. The event is being re-branded and will have a new look in 2012.
2012 THEME – CHUTNEY SOCA MONARCH
The Chutney Soca Monarch remains one of the most colorful productions in Carnival, and 2012 will be no different as the theme of the event reflects an embracing of the Caribbean spirit, Caribbean music and Caribbean people - ONE – One Caribbean, One music, One People – the theme for 2012.
NEW VENUE AND NEW DATE
The Producers of the 2012 Chutney Soca Monarch have decided to move the event to POS. We have been having discussions with the National Carnival Commission with the intention of hosting the event at the Queens Park Savannah. These discussions are still ongoing.
Producers will also be moving the event one week closer to Carnival and has proposed the Grand Final to be hosted on Saturday 11th February 2012.
NEW RULES & REGULATIONS
2 new rules will be introduced to the competition in 2012.
Artistes will not be allowed to use film melodies in their songs, which have plagued the competition over the last few years. Only songs that have 100% original melodies and lyrics will be allowed to compete, and there will also be a screening of the music to ensure that lyrics and topics are positive.
GUYANA TO BE INCLUDED IN A MAJOR WAY
In 2012, a number of new features will be added to the event.
3 artistes from Guyana will be taken directly to the Grand Final of Chutney Soca Monarch through a special screening process that will see eliminations gradually come down to the three selected Guyanese artistes.
2 judges from Guyana will also sit on the judging panel for the Grand Final should in case the technologies fail on the night.
The Grand Final of the Chutney Soca Monarch will be broadcast ‘live’ via satellite to Guyana and featured on a major TV network in Guyana.
Finally, the event, which is judged by 100% text votes, will also give the Guyana public the opportunity to participate at this level, as arrangements are also being put in place for the people of Guyana to be able to vote via text voting through a local network.
By 2013, it is expected that a ‘Guyana Leg’ of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition will take place in Georgetown.
OTHER VOTING
In 2012, apart from Guyana nationals being allowed to vote through a local network, online voting will take place as the event will be streamed over the internet to a ‘live’ viewing public. Text voting will also take place as in years gone by in the USA, Canada and of course Trinidad & Tobago.
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL ACT FOR CSM 2012
A major International act will be included in the program for Chutney Soca Monarch 2012. An act that will further enhance the production and add major value to the show. The event will also have an International co-host, and the opening of the show will feature several Caribbean countries.
The Grand Final’s move to POS is a positive one, and one that will position the event where it should be. Many other countries will be added to the 2013 event, as Chutney Soca Monarch starts to spread throughout the Caribbean.
