Fiona Singh is Chutney Queen

Feb 21, 2011 News

Performing the song ‘Money,’ which she composed in less than a day, popular Chutney sensation and former lead singer from the popular Sugar Cake Girl Band Fiona Singh retained her crown as she was adjudged this year’s Chutney Queen last Saturday.
The National Chutney Competition was held at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.
Coming in second was four-time Chutney King Haresh Singh, while Mahendra Ramkelawan placed third with his popularly circulated piece called Dem A Watch Me.

Fiona Singh

Ameer Khan was adjudged as best newcomer.
The reigning queen walked away with $550,000 and a trophy after she secured 263 points, while Haresh Singh received 251 points and a trophy, gaining 242 points. Ramlakhan walked away with $200,000. and a trophy,
Fans braved the inclement weather in large numbers to support their favourite artistes.
The highly anticipated competition was judged in three categories namely, Presentation, Rendition and Melody.  Thirty points each was attached to the presentation and melody while another 40 points was awarded for melody
Chief judge Sameer Shahib along with his assistant James Samuels concentrated precisely on the lyrical content of the songs by the 18 participants.
Responding to critics who were very vocal with their assessment of who they thought should have walked away with this year’s crown, Shahib said the 13 judges executed their task impartially.
“It does not mean that because a participant has gained popularity of its air play (that they would win); what, however is important is how well the performer would have performed on the night of the competition.”
The reigning queen, Fiona Singh said she is still in shock after her win.  According to Singh, it took her less than a day to compose her song and another three days to come up with the melody.
“My song MONEY is speaking about the comfort of having money in the bank opposed to having a man who would put you through quarrels, beatings and constant abusive behaviour.”
Haresh Singh’s song entitled Bajere Saneet Wa Bajere dealt with the originality of Chutney Music.
Recorded artistes Ramkhelaman and Dutchin, despite their songs Dem A Watch Me and I Am OK  failed to impress the judges who were very critical in stage performance.