BAVINA SOOKDEO
After years away from the calypso tent, artiste Samraj Jaimungal, known as Rikki Jai, is making a much-anticipated return, joining D'Kaiso Dynasty (formerly Kaiso House) tent for the 2025 season.
Originally from Friendship Village, San Fernando, Jai, a pioneer in chutney soca and a nine-time Chutney Soca Monarch winner, describes this comeback as a homecoming.
“I started in calypso and am a bonafide calypsonian,” he pointed out. “I performed from the inception of my career at Calypso Spektakula with the Martineau Brothers, not as a chutney artist, but as a calypsonian. I (was) the first Indo-Trinidadian artiste to make the Dimanche Gras finals, in 2001. “This is me coming full circle in my musical career and embracing what made me the artiste I am from the very beginning.”
Apart from winning musical crowns, in recognition of his achievements, Jai has also been awarded the Hummingbird Medal (gold) in 2012, and an honorary doctorate in fine arts from the University of TT in 2023. His last stint in a calypso tent was with Kaiso House, several years ago. He explained his departure was driven by the growing demands of fetes and parties, which consumed much of his time.
But now he’s glad to be back in the tent, since leaving in 2012.
“I am excited to be with my peers in the business, young and old, and to once again be the voice of the people via social commentary and chutney soca, since I will be doing both at the tent.”
His decision to return to D'Kaiso Dynasty tent was deeply personal. “This was the last tent I was attached to, and I felt this was where I wanted to return to and to continue my role as a calypsonian and once again be a spokesman for the people through music.”
He hopes for a warm reception from fans and fellow artistes alike.
“Tent life is family life. We are a family unit, and we live by the motto: ‘Love in the house.’ I anticipate great love and affection, as I am used to and have received in the past.”
Asked whether his decision to return to the tent was driven by business considerations or a desire to reconnect with his musical roots, Jai explained, “It is a combination of both, as my businesses (one of which is a restaurant and lounge in Queens, New York City) are run and managed by competent staff and family members, which enables me to be remote and oversee the operations, and it consequently has given me some more time to reconnect with my musical roots.”
Jai acknowledges the music industry has evolved, and staying relevant requires adaptation. “The sound is ever-changing, the styles and tones are changing, so it’s necessary to not make music that sounds dated and of an era gone, and this, hopefully, will keep my music and my brand relevant and current with the ever-increasing young audience.”
Can fans expect to see him competing in events like the Chutney Soca Monarch, Calypso Fiesta or the Ultimate Soca competition in 2025? He responded with a laugh.
“Time will tell.”
For 2025, fans can definitely look forward to a mix of new chutney and soca songs.
