From photographer to 2019 Chutney Monarch Winner

By Indrawattie Natram

“I DID it for my country, I did it to encourage peace and stop racism.” Those were the words of this year’s Chutney Monarch winner Steven Ramphal. Ramphal emerged the winner at the Banks Chutney Monarch held last Sunday night at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground in Region Two. He gained 355 points after contesting against nine other singers.

As the winner of the Chutney Monarch he won himself one million Guyana dollars and also two tickets to any Caribbean Airlines destination. Ramphal’s performance amazed the judges when he sang, “Rang Ke Bhare Main Bhool Jao- Forget about your colour and let’s live in love”. During his performance creativity was displayed as his team showcased props that send the message of diversity.
In addition to his Chutney win, Ramphal who was a newcomer in the Soca arena, carried away $750,000 when the competition was held Saturday evening at the National Park Tarmac. He also received $100,000 as a newcomer to the Carib Soca Competition.

Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine, Ramphal said that it was his vision to compose lyrics that foster social cohesion, unity and love in Guyana- a country that is dear to him. His journey commenced when he realised that he wanted to enter the Soca Monarch with the song entitled, “Soca in meh veins”. He said that the experience he gained in both competitions were life-changing and explained that with team spirit anything is possible.
“I have a wonderful team to work with. Their encouragement was amazing. They were behind me from day one. My wife was my motivator, she is amazing, but most of all I sang with my country in mind- team unity,” Ramphal said.

Speaking on his singing journey, he said, he started singing from the tender age of seven. He entered many competitions before, but this year, he said, he was motivated more than previous years. During the entire interview he was emotional, and he strongly believes that Guyana as a country can achieve a lot more once racism stops.
Very confident about his song, “Soca in meh Veins” he said, he was astonished at the number of views his songs received when it hit the media. He was also happy that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), in Guyana, recognised his efforts and endorsed the song. He also explained that his Soca song was featured on the BBC news- a big achievement for him as a singer.

Asked what were some of the adjustments he made from Soca to Chutney, given that they are different areas? Ramphal said, that both competitions tested his versatility. Ramphal said that in his success he would also like to thank “the Almighty Jesus Christ” for guiding him throughout the competitions. He commented that throughout the competitions he and his team prayed before he went onstage. The props and messages displayed during the competition were also all compiled by his team.

“I want to put Guyana on top of the world with my music. I want to touch and send a message to those who listen to my songs. My songs are composed to send a strong message of equality, love, unity and togetherness in Guyana,” Ramphal said.

When asked what he intends to do in the future, he said, he intends to visit countries outside of Guyana to spread the message. He would also like to thank the Ministry of the Presidency and other stakeholders, for organising such activities to coincide with Guyana’s 49 Republic celebrations, and also to give persons the opportunity to showcase their talents.