Rikki Jai and Ravi B served up a doubles with plenty pepper that proved too hot for the rest to leave with the sweet taste of victory at the Chutney Soca Monarch finals on Saturday night at Skinner Park, San Fernando.
Team Raja, as the pair called themselves on the night, made light work of an experienced field in the newly-created Traditional category, before returning in full force with the “Chutney Avengers” to dethrone last year’s winner KI (Kris Persad) in the marquee event—the Chutney Soca Monarch.
The duo dressed as Thor (Jai) and Iron Man (Ravi B) as they recreated the popular Marvel franchise on stage to share in $2.5 million in prize money ($2 million for Chutney Soca and $500,000 for Traditional).
“It feels great, we worked really, really hard for this. It took weeks of planning. A lot of work and practice and getting it right. Right now I’m lost for words,” an elated Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar) said following the win.
Below are the full results. Congratulations to all finalists!
Traditional Monarch
1. Team Raja [Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal) and Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar)] – “Chalo Awo Radha” – 78.8%
2. Rooplal Girdharrie – “Lage Re” – 40.31
3. Drupatee Ramgoonai
“Dholakawa” – 36.36
4. Rasika Dindial – “Chooko Ru” – 35.53
5. Rakesh Yankarran –
“Doo Doo Darling” – 35.28
Chutney Soca Monarch
1. Team Raja [Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal) and Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar)] – “CSM 20” – 74.08%
2. K.I. (Kris Persad) –
“No Gyal Again” – 47.8
3. Nishard Mayrhoo –
“Mischief Maker” – 43.9
4. Crazy (Edwin Ayoung) –
“Respect The Elder” – 39.8
5. Saleem Beharry –
“Next Man Wife” – 37.5
