CHUTNEY-SOCA artistes have been blazing the trail across the globe, taking the local music to previously unexplored territories. They are also being honoured and recognised as cultural ambassadors in the United States, Canada and elsewhere. This kind of recognition is being seen as an acknowledgement of the genre’s international growth and allure.
One of the exponents of the culture, Raymond Ramnarine, who is leading the trail in opening new avenues for this genre, told the Newsday, “The world is loving chutney soca. We just need to nurture it and keep being original.”
Still basking from being the first recipient of the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) in the chutney soca category, Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar) underscored that, “chutney soca has always had the potential to go global."
“I believe we're starting to see the early stages of that explosion.”
The artiste received the CMA award at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, on August 29.
“The music blends, infectious rhythms, vibrant melodies, and rich storytelling that resonates across cultures, have always been a reflection of our unique Caribbean identity, but now it’s connecting with a much wider audience.”
[caption id="attachment_1111582" align="alignnone" width="768"] Raymond Ramnarine with his latest recognition for his contribution to chutney soca, Bollywood music and culture from mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton, Canada. The award was presented on September 27. -[/caption]
“Recently I discovered my songs being huge in Jamaica, Fiji, South Africa, Mauritius, Belize. With platforms like streaming services and social media, we have more avenues than ever to push the music worldwide.”
In March, New York State Assembly member Jennifer Rajkumar presented Ravi B with a Proclamation from the State of New York, after one of his performances at the UBS Arena at Elmont, New York.
In August, Rikki Jai another crossover artiste, represented this genre during Calypso Uptown at the Apollo Theatre, New York. Artistes such as GI, KI, Rick Ramoutar, have also been spreading chutney soca abroad.
[caption id="attachment_1111584" align="alignnone" width="683"] Rikki Jai -[/caption]
Ramnarine, who has been touring extensively across the globe, including Africa, also received a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the US congress and a certificate from the New York State Senate for his outstanding dedication as a cultural ambassador.
He said not only chutney soca, but traditional chutney is also seeing exponential growth.While feeling good about chutney soca finding a space and acceptance on an international scale, Ramnarine, leader of the Dil E Nadan band, still believes, “we have a long way to go, and it starts with us.
“Every artiste, promoter, fan and music lover got to be on board. We need the corporate world to invest in the growth.
“We are opening doors for the future, but I can’t do it alone. The other artistes can’t do it alone. We need a unified front to help us promote this genre. “
In an interview via WhatsApp, Ravi B sa
