Chutney Soca Monarch 2026 Semi-Finals Make Historic Debut in Port of Spain

The Chutney Soca Monarch 2026 Semi-Finals delivered a defining moment for the genre on Friday, January 30, 2026, as the competition made its first-ever stop in Port of Spain—and the city showed up in full force.

Staged at Flava Food Village, the semi-finals marked a bold shift into the capital and instantly paid off. The venue pulsed with energy as 34 artistes took to the stage, each bringing their own blend of rhythm, storytelling, and cultural pride. What unfolded felt less like a qualifying round and more like a marquee Carnival event—packed, loud, and unapologetically celebratory.

By the end of the night, 15 finalists were confirmed for the grand stage. Leading the pack were standout performances from Savita Singh, who surprised many as a wildcard favorite, alongside crowd-moving sets from Lady Lava and Rasika Dindial. Their commanding performances set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive final.

Adding to the night’s significance was the long-awaited return of KI Persad, the three-time monarch who stepped back onto the CSM stage after a decade-long absence—an emotional and nostalgic moment for longtime fans of the competition.

Behind the scenes, organizers also took note of the impact. George Singh, CEO of Southex, hailed the semi-finals as a resounding success, citing the massive crowd turnout and the strong reception to hosting the event in Port of Spain for the first time.

With the semi-finals now behind them, attention turns to the ultimate showdown. The finalists will face reigning champion Machel Montano, who captured the title in 2025 and now stands between the contenders and the crown.

The Chutney Soca Monarch 2026 Grand Final is set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Skinner Park. On the line are three coveted titles: Chutney Soca Monarch, Queen of Chutney Soca, and Traditional Chutney Monarch.

If the semi-finals were any indication, the finals won’t just crown winners—they’ll mark another major step in the evolution of chutney soca, firmly anchoring it at the heart of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival culture.