As much as he loves Chutney, for Vicadi Singh, a 32-year-old husband and father from Better Hope, East Coast Demerara family is everything. Detailing part of his journey to the 2024 Chutney Monarch title, which he won with his song “Gone Away”, Singh spoke of the challenges he faced, his inspiration for the performance, and his hopes for the future.
“… Everything was going to plan until my two-year-old daughter took a high fever and had to stop in at the hospital for three days. I was in [the] United States on tour when that happened [and] I immediately had to return. This, of course, would break any parent seeing their child in such a state. My focus, my confidence, and my will to win was broken. But somehow my daughter started to recover and that itself restored some of what I lost, and somehow got me to complete my preparation,” he divulged.
Drawing inspiration from his daughter’s resilience, Singh delivered a powerful performance that resonated with the audience and judges alike. “She showed me that if she can get up after being so ill. Why can’t I? So, my inspiration solely came from her. I did it for her,” he said.
Singh believes that his dedication to the Chutney genre, coupled with the desire to represent it proudly on the international stage also set him apart from the competition. The local star also credits his wife as the backbone of his winning Chutney piece, handling all aspects of planning, including presentation, dancers, and costumes. Their solid team and meticulous preparation were crucial in executing the performance successfully on the competition night.
“Just like any preparation, you need a solid, trustworthy team. My army starts with my wife,” he exclaimed. “She’s the general! She’s the backbone with everything you see that comes out of the Vicadi camp. She’s the one back and forth with all the calls for presentation, dancers, costume. It requires mass planning. Whatever is put together, has to be executed on the set night,” he said whilst explaining the process of creating the winning Chutney piece.
Regarding the message or theme he was looking to convey through his song, Singh explained, “Initially, my message was to stand with the people of Essequibo for what was happening with Venezuela. [But] after my experience leading up to the competition, I chose to add ‘not giving up no matter what the situation may be’.”
Asked what he thinks sets the Chutney genre apart from others, he responded: “Honestly, with no offence to the other genres in Guyana, I believe Chutney has stepped up to the international stages and is being requested by our diaspora overseas. I may be wrong, but the most toured artists are Chutney [singers] in Guyana. However, I wish the other genres [the] same love and success.”
Looking ahead, Singh hopes to use his platform to uplift and inspire other Chutney artists in Guyana and beyond, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance. With a focus on promoting cultural diversity and talent, he aims to showcase the rich heritage of Chutney music to a global audience.
As he basks in the glory of his recent victory, Singh remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead. With a mantra of gratitude, patience, and determination, he plans to continue making waves in the music industry and championing the Chutney community with his unique blend of talent and vision.
“Along with being an artist, my platform has always been used to promote our culture. When I host events, I have different genres on my line up, along with selecting some of the upcoming budding talent that needs the platform… Whatever I’m doing now must be the right thing. So, I’ll continue to do whatever I’m doing right now. Grasp all opportunities, make the best of them, focus, and move on to the next,” he said.
Having had the privilege of growing up in Better Hope during the 90s, one of the 32-year-old’s childhood memories is that of playing street cricket with his cousin and friends. Since all play and no work would’ve made him a dull boy, Singh also took his education seriously and was able to secure multiple certifications before venturing into the music industry.
With an eye towards the future, he remains focused on seizing every opportunity that comes his way and inspiring others to do the same. Hence, his advice to up-and-coming Chutney artists like himself is: “If you are truly with a gift, use it, find ways to let it be seen and heard. Yes, there may be butterflies (nervousness), but you have to find it in yourself to take what you want [in order] to overcome that. Additionally, always be grateful, thankful, pray, and have patience. What is yours, will always be yours.”
He expressed heartfelt thanks to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson and his ministry for providing the platform for artists like himself to shine. With a bright future ahead, the newly crowned Chutney Monarch is poised to make his mark on the music industry and beyond.
