Wednesday 16th February 2011

The newly formed Trinidad and Tobago Chutney Artiste Association (TTCAA) was established in an effort to address challenges faced by our local chutney artistes. One of TTCAA’s main objectives, is to provide an accurate definition of the Chutney Soca genre.

First on our agenda is the urgent need to address the integrity of the esteemed Chutney Soca Monarch, 2011. Southex , disregards key items and clauses outlined in the initial agreement between Southex Ltd. and participants of this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch competition.

The main issue of contention, revolves around artistes qualifying for the finals with songs containing elements of popular Bollywood and other International melodies. It is clearly stated in the rules of the competition, “artistes must sing their original song”; yet 80% of this year’s finalists do not conform to this stipulation. We believe it’s unethical for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to financially support an event that is in violation of copyright laws.

Another example of non conformity to the competition rules, is the selection of some artistes (for the semi-finals) based on submission of audio CDS as opposed to live audition mandatory for others. There is no level playing field from the start.

Additionally, we are in total disagreement with the only process of selecting the final winners being through text and online voting. With the human element of judging left out, there is nothing else in place to ensure the placement of winners, should there be a total collapse of the texting and online system.

There is a lack of transparency in the texting process, no mention of the wild card system in the initial agreement and Southex’s misrepresentation of Ministry of the Arts & Multiculturalism by way of stating in the agreement that all prizes will be provided by said Ministry when this is not so.

TTCAA is in the process of seeking legal advice to ascertain if a dishonored item within the Southex agreement constitutes a breach of contract. If this is so, we the Trinidad and Tobago Chutney Artiste Association (TTCAA) are prepared to go as far as calling for a total shutdown of the staging of this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch 2011.

We would like to meet with Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism- Mr.Winston Peters, to bring these and other issues to his attention.

Trinidad and Tobago Chutney Artiste Association (TTCAA)
Contact Persons:
Joseph Pooran 709-1501
Fabien Alfonso (Group Consultant) 707-0400
A.R Gagedeen 707-9722