Terry Gajraj has been selected as the “Wildcard” for Chutney Soca Monarch 2025.

The Guyanese artiste is on a chutney soca collaboration with foreign based Mau Bros.

The “Wildcard” option was first introduced in 2024 to give foreign based acts the opportunity to compete in CSM.

As this year’s selected “Wildcard”, Gajraj and Mau Bros will go straight to the Grand Final.

They will enjoy free travel to Trinidad courtesy Caribbean Airlines, as well as free accommodation from Paria Suites Hotel & Convention Centre.

As finalists, they are also guaranteed the minimum Grand Final appearance fee of TT$30,000.

The selection of a “Wildcard” and the inclusion of Rick Ram in the final as defending Champion means only eight artistes will now be selected from 34 semi finalists to move on to the Grand Final of CSM 2025.

The semi finals are carded for February 8th 2025, while the Final will be held on March 1st 2025 at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

Both events will be free to the public.

According to Southex CEO George Singh, the first prize for this year’s competition will be at least TT$400,000.

The Queen of Chutney Soca title – to be awarded to the highest placed female artiste in the competition – will receive a prize of TT$150,000.