Gayathri Kallukaran (Eastern Eye) writes about Rick Ram, who won the Chutney Soca Monarch title in 2024. Ram spoke to the author about his inspiration growing up in Trinidad, honoring Indian-Caribbean heritage, global collaborations, and keeping the genre alive.
Growing up in a house filled with music
Rick Ram’s earliest memories of music are tied to family and tradition. Raised in Trinidad with his grandparents, he grew up surrounded by folk and traditional chutney music. As a child, he accompanied them as they performed regularly at homes and community events, an experience that shaped both his sound and his sense of purpose as an artist.
For Ram, chutney music is not just a performance but a continuation. He describes it as a family tradition he actively carries forward, releasing new music every year and experimenting with fresh styles while staying rooted in the genre.
Seventeen years of perseverance
Winning the Chutney Soca Monarch title did not come easily. Ram competed for 17 years before finally claiming the crown in 2024, a journey marked by near misses and steady determination.
He describes the title as the ultimate achievement for chutney artists in Trinidad. While he had won other competitions before, the Monarch title remained elusive until his winning performance, an emotional moment shared with his family, who were present when his name was finally announced. [. . .]
Honouring Indian-Caribbean heritage
Ram places strong emphasis on honouring Indian-Caribbean history through his music. His sound blends traditional chutney, Bollywood influences and Caribbean rhythms, reflecting the cultural landscape of Trinidad and neighbouring regions such as Guyana. [. . .]
For full article, see https://www.easterneye.biz/rick-ram-chutney-music-global/
Gayathri Kallukaran (Eastern Eye) writes about Rick Ram, who won the Chutney Soca Monarch title in 2024. Ram spoke to the author about his inspiration growing up in Trinidad, honoring Indian-Caribbean heritage, global collaborations, and keeping the genre alive. Growing up in a house filled with music Rick Ram’s earliest memories of music are tied