The stage is set for a showdown at the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) 2025 grand final, as two of the genre’s biggest names, Machel Montano and Rikki Jai, prepare to go head-to-head at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on Saturday 1 March. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the competition, and organisers Southex promise an event like no other.
Montano, a five-time Soca Monarch, and Rikki Jai, a nine-time Chutney Soca Monarch, topped the Saturday 8 February semi-finals at La Tropical, La Romaine, securing their spots in the anticipated final. Despite an initial plan to select eight finalists, the competition’s intensity led organisers to choose 12 finalists instead. They will join defending champion Rick Ramoutar and Guyanese chutney soca legend Terry Gajraj, who received a wildcard entry.
THE FINALISTS IN PERFORMANCE ORDER
1. Hurricane Hemlatha
2. Daddy Chinee
3. Reehana Gopaul
4. Adesh Samaroo
5. Neval Chatelal
6. Wackaman
7. Vanessa Ramoutar
8. Veekash Sahadeo
9. Rikki Jai
10. Terry Gajraj
11. Machel Montano
12. Saleem Beharry
13. Reshma Ramlal & Lil Bits
14. Rick Ramoutar
San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris praised the cultural unity showcased at the semi-finals, reinforcing that Skinner Park remains the true home of CSM. Southex CEO George Singh revealed that overwhelming audience turnout has prompted plans to shift semi-finals to outdoor venues from 2026 to accommodate larger crowds.
The finals, which are free to the public, are expected to be one of the most exciting in CSM history. Montano and Rikki Jai’s face-off is expected to generate massive anticipation as the competition celebrates its 30th year.
