Three-time Chutney Soca Monarch champion Kris “KI” Persad has withdrawn from the 2026 Grand Final due to health concerns, Southex announced in a press release issued yesterday.
Persad fainted after exiting the stage following the semi-final at Flava Village, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on January 30. He was transported by ambulance to a hospital for tests and subsequently given an all-clear. Organisers initially believed dehydration may have caused the episode. Persad returned to Canada, where doctors advised rest for at least two weeks, making it impossible for him to travel back to Trinidad in time for the Grand Final. Persad, who won the Chutney Soca Monarch titles in 2012, 2014 and 2016, is making his return to the Grand Final after a decade-long absence.
Southex chief executive officer George Singh expressed disappointment at Persad’s absence but said it would not diminish the finale’s quality. “It is unfortunate that he is not in the final. It is ten years since he last competed and I know he was very excited to be back in the final. He was one of 15 competitors, so I don’t think it will have a negative impact on the show. We most definitely have a powerful line-up,” Singh told the Express in a telephone interview.
Reflecting on the semi-finals, Singh praised the level of performances from the contestants. He noted that many observers witnessed high-caliber productions and anticipated even more elaborate shows for the final. “Anybody at the semi-finals would have seen the level of performances. People really came out for the semi-final. The artistes put out their A-game. A lot of people who saw the semi-finals were wondering what people can do at the final, but I know that people are coming with even bigger productions, bigger presentations, and I think the show itself is going to be a fantastic show,” he said.
Singh also highlighted the scale of the productions, with many contestants supported by entourages of up to 150 people, whether behind the scenes or on stage. He predicted larger and more elaborate displays for the final, which is expected to be a major draw for audiences.
The 2026 CSM Grand Final is set for Sunday at Skinner Park in San Fernando, with fourteen artists now vying for the crowns of Chutney Soca Monarch, Queen of Chutney Soca, and Traditional Monarch. Patrons can look forward to a pre-show from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring live bands, DJs, and Maxsonic product giveaways.
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