T&T – Savita Singh Makes History as First Female Chutney Soca Monarch

2026-02-12 - 15:27

Savita Singh etched her name into Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural history early Monday morning, becoming the first woman to capture the prestigious Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) title. Her victory marks a significant milestone in a competition long dominated by male performers and signals a defining moment for female representation within the genre. Singh secured the crown with a commanding performance of her hit single The Ring, captivating thousands of patrons gathered at Skinner Park in San Fernando. Elevating the spectacle, she incorporated an innovative drone light display that illuminated the night sky, adding a modern, theatrical dimension to the high-energy presentation. Rasika Dindial, widely known as “D Rani,” claimed second place with her popular track Pong D Damadol, delivered in a traditional chutney style that resonated strongly with the audience. Dindial also walked away with the Traditional Chutney title, underscoring her continued influence and versatility within the cultural space. Securing third place was Lady Lava, who energized the crowd with her upbeat song Cyah Pick, performing alongside Ravi B. Reigning champion Machel Montano, a stalwart in the soca and chutney soca arena, finished fourth in this year’s competition. Fourteen artistes vied for the coveted title in the event, which commenced at 8 p.m. and featured a pre-show segment highlighting several chutney performers, setting the tone for an evening of spirited cultural celebration. Notably absent from the finals was KI Persad, who withdrew days before the competition due to health concerns. In a statement shared on Sunday, he expressed disappointment over his inability to perform, writing: “It breaks my heart that I’m not able to compete in the CSM tonight anymore. We planned an out-of-this-world performance for you, including some of the most talented producers and designers in the region. I was definitely looking forward to competing against one of the best to ever do it and a hero of mine, Machel.” KI assured fans that he is recovering and intends to return to the stage soon. Singh’s historic win not only crowns her as this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch but also redefines the landscape of the competition, opening new possibilities for women in a genre that continues to evolve while honoring its Indo-Caribbean roots.