Rikki Jai: No friendship for Ravi B
By Anna-Lisa Paul Friday, February 25 2011The 2011 Chutney Soca Monarch, Rikki Jai said while he has “no animosity” towards Ravi B, there is little possibility of a relationship or friendship with the younger entertainer.
Speaking to reporters following a short but energetic performance at yesterday’s bMobile’s Soca in B-Square lunch-time concert, the six-time champion said he had gotten to where he is “through hard work and not trampling on others.”
“I hold nothing against Ravi B for what he did. I really don’t wish bad for him. Sometimes these things happen and people get carried away with the emotions. As a professional, I am very saddened that such a day could have come and marred the activities,” said the singer, whose real name is Samraj Jaimungal.
Ravi B was dethroned by Jaimungal in last Saturday’s competition at Skinner Park in San Fernando, and walked away with the first prize of $2 million.
Although Ravi B offered Jaimungal congratulations immediately after the results were announced, it was during the after-party, when the band Karma performed, that he incited the crowd to hurl missiles at the stage to indicate their dissatisfaction.
Jaimungal said Ravi B has not spoken to him since that night.
“I think if somebody could do what he did, come out in one minute and hug me and raise my hand in celebration and the next, incite violence...I am not too sure if there was a relationship,” he said.
Jaimungal noted the historic first prize had brought out the dark side in many of the show’s competitors.
Pressed to answer if he has any reservations about sharing a stage with Karma and Ravi B, Jaimungal said many of his bookings throughout the Carnival season was alongside the band.
Asked what the future holds for him, Jaimungal promised the country could expect a lot from him as some of his winnings “would go to people who would be enriched and strengthened by the Rikki Jai Foundation.”
However, he declined to comment on the legal aspect of the matter since the show’s promoter is also pursuing action against Ravi B.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has also spoken out against Ravi B’s behaviour.
“It was most unfortunate. I do believe the police are investigating the matter...It was most unfortunate and totally unnecessary,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar was speaking to reporters at Busy Corner, Chaguanas yesterday afternoon during a police road block exercise.
Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs, was also present for the exercise, confirmed this was so.
“Yes it is being investigated. I don’t have any further updates but I can say from (media reports) that the individual involved has come forward and expressed remorse through the media. That is a good first step,” Gibbs said.
He's the king: Rikki Jai, left, celebrates winning $2 million with Ravi Bissembhar, right, whom he dethroned in the 2011 Chutney Soca Monarch final at Skinner Park, San Fernando early yesterday morning.
(2011-02-21) ...Author: Lincoln Holder.
Party time: Fans party during the Chutney Soca Monarch final.
(2011-02-21) ...Author: Lincoln Holder.
Join us: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, centre, pulls San Fernando Mayor Marlene Coudray to join her as soca star Machel Montano sings a reggae song during the Chutney Soca Monarch final, Skinner Park, San Fernando early yesterday morning. ...(2011-02-21).
Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston 'Gypsy' Peters performs an extempo at the Chutney Soca Monarch final. ...(2011-02-21).
Sing with me: Veeshal KI Persad, who placed third, invites the crowd to sing along with his performance of 'No More Rum Again' at the Chutney Soca Monarch final, Skinner Park, San Fernando late Saturday night... (2011-02-21).
Queen Sally: Sally Sagram, one of three women finalists, sings 'Go So Nah' at the Chutney Soca Monarch final, Skinner Park, San Fernando late Saturday night... (2011-02-21).
Ravi B... (2011-02-22).
