ESSEQUIBIANS and Chutney lovers are up for a treat come February 17 when the National Chutney competition will be held at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground. The semi-final is slated for Bath Settlement Community Centre ground on Sunday, February 10.

Thus far, plans are progressing well by the Regional Mashramani Committee in Region Two, for the competition which is intended to crown a 2019 Chutney Monarch. `The Buzz’ has learnt that 12 artistes are already geared up for the semi-finals of the chutney monarch competition.

Reigning Chutney Monarch Bunty Singh will be defending his title, and according to him, he is confident that he will regain the title. He is set to perform ‘Mashaaraani and She Polaures’.

Former Chutney Monarch, Pooran Seeraj has said that he’s coming even stronger this year with his song ‘GT Ladki’, while another seasoned Chutney singer, Steven Ramhall, will be singing his piece titled “Rang ke bare”.

Some of the other artistes participating are Arijit Singh, who will sing ‘Ring on on the lukanee’; Parsasram Singh, also known as “Vicadi Singh” with ‘Mr Rajput’ and Sasnaayan Hitnarayan, also called “Prince HTN” with `Love and Unity’.

The others who are competing for the title are Chandarpaul Nathoo who will be performing ‘Mash 49’; Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” with ‘Dulaha Dulahin’; Hamesh Rhyna, called “Entertainer V Star” with ‘My dreams’; Deonarine Balkissoon, also called “Nishal B” with ‘I Proud to be a Guyanese’; Satish Udairam with ‘Mash up Guyana’; and another Berbician, Christopher Ramphal with ‘Sundar Larki’.

Back-up music for the singers will be provided by the Shakti String Orchestra. The competition is all part of the Mashramani activities.