Promters cancel Ravi B's children's show; more calls for action against singer

Ravi B is feeling the heat from his behaviour last weekend at the Chutney Soca Monarch final when he incited supporters and urged them to throw missiles at the stage.

"If allyuh say allyuh don't like the results tonight, I want you pick up something and pelt it on the stage," the singer said after he learned that Rikki Jai had won the $2million first prize and he had placed second in the contest. Fans obliged and tossed bottles and cups at the stage.

He has since apologised but entertainment industry watchers don't believe the apology was genuine. They say it is only to clear the way for the artiste to compete in other shows with hefty prize money.

Now organisers of the Ravi B Children's Show have called off the event, which was scheduled for Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre, this weekend. The show was sponsored by 103 FM and Tropix entertainment.

103 executive Director Yaseen Rahaman said Ravi B's action to call on the crowd to throw something on stage "could have caused a riot". 

"This kind of behaviour is questionable and it is against our philosophy...How can parents feel sending their child to a show with the same artiste who only a few days ago instructed violence?" Rahaman told reporters Tuesday.

"No amount of apology could help the situation...Artistes have to set standards and principles, he got carried away with so-called fame," he added.

Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, who is a bigh chutney fan, has added his voice to the matter. He said Tuesday police should launch a criminal investigation into Ravi B for inciting supporters.

The promoter of the weekend show, George Singh, is seeking legal advice on the matter and wants to know why police did not act against Ravi B although there were dozens on police officers on duty.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Fitzroy Frederick told reporters the singer could not have been arrested at the scene. "Once investigated and it is disclosed that he committed an offence, then we will take it from there. We still don't know if an offence was committed."
 
Ravi B could face a charge under the "Drunkenness or Disorderly Conduct in Places of Public Resort" section of the Summary Offences Act, which carries a penalty of a $200 fine or two months imprisonment.