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Rikki Jai (born Samraj Jaimungal; pronounced [səmərɑːɟə ɟəjəməⁿɡələ]) is an Indo-Trinidadian chutney and chutney-soca musician.

Career

Jai's 1988 debut single Sumintra told the tale of an Indo-Trinidadian woman from Debe who informed her boyfriend of her preference for soca over the music of Indian artist Lata Mangeshkar. Jai returned the following year with Pumping, then Bolo and Show Me Yuh Motion. His 1993 song Wine on a Bumsee signalled Jai's exit from the soca world, opting for the chutney soca arena, in which he continues to perform.

Jai later released Chutney Vibrations, a compilation of his soca chutney songs. His biggest chutney soca hit is Mor Tor featuring soca star Machel Montano. While Barman and ''Scorpion Sting Me'' & ''Leh We Fete'' are also chutney soca hits of his. In 2011, he won his 6th Chutney Soca Monarch title, with the song White Oak and Water, walking away with TT$2 million in prize money. Jai was later crowned for the 7th said time after teaming up with Ravi B.

In 2001, he tied for first place (with Bunji Garlin) for the "Young King" title. Jai is also a record breaking nine time Chutney Soca Monarch winner.

Accolades

In 2012 he was bestowed with a Hummingbird Medal Gold, a national award of Trinidad and Tobago. On Tuesday 7, October 2023, Jai acquired a honorary doctorate in fine arts from the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

Personal life

Jai is the owner of Sheriff Street Restaurant and Lounge in Queens, New York. Married to wife Shelly, he's also the father of Aashish and Vaashish, their two sons.

References

1. ^ Rampersad, Sheila. "Rikki Jai: Chutney Soca Champion". Caribbean Beat. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
2. ^ Mondezie, Michael (5 February 2022). "Youthful Exuberance A shift in focus brings new peace". Trinidad Express Newspapers. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
3. ^ "Rikki Jai focuses on soca, mentoring young artistes". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
4. Seeta Persad (25 June 2010). "Bigger cash prizes for Chutney artistes in 2011". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
5. "Rikki Jai's back like déjà vu". Trinidad Express Newspapers. 28 January 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
6. Khan, Rishard (8 November 2023). "Rikki Jai: Be prepared to fail". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
7. Luke, Aba A. (15 June 2012). "Rikki Jai expresses love to his sons". www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 11 November 2024.

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