Machel Montano will face off against several former Chutney Soca Monarch champs for a spot in the event’s final.

Machel, best known for his infectious soca lyrics, was named alongside 33 other artistes for this year’s CSM semi finals.

Also entering after a hiatus is 9-time CSM king Rikki Jai, as well as former champs Daddy Chinee and Neval Chatelal.

103.1FM’s Veekash Sahadeo also makes the cut, alongside Hemlata Dindial and Chris Garcia, who both return to the competition after several years.

Rawytee Ramroop is also a semi finalist and will be looking to defend her title as Queen of Chutney Soca.

To do so, she must make it to the Grand Final, as the top placed female artiste at the final will take that title.

The CSM semi finals will be held on February 8th at La Tropical, Rig Compound, La Romaine.

The semi finals will be hosted by 103.1FM’s Rodney Elahie.

Nine contestants will then be selected to join defending CSM King Rick Ramoutar at the Grand Final on March 1st at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

The Grand Final will be hosted by 103.1FM’s Sarika Mahabir.