Fierce competition for top spot in Spirit of the Nation Parish Talent Finals

ompetition was fierce as participants drawn from each parish vied for the top spot in the Spirit of the Nation Parish Talent Finals. Performing at the Frank Collymore Hall on Saturday evening, contestants displayed diverse talents which included spoken word, dance and singing.

When the dust had settled, Christ Church’s mother-and-son duo, Kimberley, and Kadarius ‘King K’ Allen, emerged victorious with their rendition of Musical Matrimony, originally performed by Carlyn and James Leacock. Their flawless harmonies helped them secure the win against intense competition from St Lucy’s Jasiah Moore who finished in second place. She confidently commanded the stage with her phenomenal rendition of Wendy Alleyne’s He’s So Fine. Exuding poise from the moment she stepped on stage, she completed her performance with a playful kiss to the supportive audience.

Third place went to skilled instrumentalist Glenn Reece, representing St Michael, last year’s champion parish. Reece’s suave performance of Gabby’s Emmerton on trombone captivated those in attendance.

Among the special award recipients was St John’s The Lodge School Steel Orchestra led by musical director Keron Moore. They deservingly took home the title of Most Impactful, bringing an explosive energy to RPB’s popular tune Boatride. Their goosebump raising performance incorporated hushed notes with dynamic crescendos. Their imagery was vivid with the visual of a boat navigating stormy seas on the backdrop screen. This was all enhanced by Moore bedecked in full captain’s attire.

The Most Original award was secured by Ramone ‘Rae’ Blackman of St Michael, whose spoken word piece Enigma tackled the issue of mental health from a male perspective.

Delivering a standout performance was flautist Zawayne Alleyne’s Home Sweet Home, accompanied by stunning images of St Andrew’s landmarks. He highlighted his patriotism adding elements of the national anthem as he closed out his presentation.

From St James, Fountainhead impressed with their maneuvers in their tribute Landship as they received commands from one of their own youthful members. Also from that parish was Breanna Husbands who sang a combination of Born Again and Lift Me Up. The Sharon Dancers of St Thomas moved gracefully to Hope for a Better Tomorrow, adding a visually impactful element to the event.

Other competitors included Livingstone Beckles with his dramatic piece The Standpipe Scene and Jade Roach singing the original Home. They both hail from St Peter. Vocalists Nicole Sealy and Jamina Smith represented St George with performances of Diamond and Take a Bow respectively, while Javed Forde from St Joseph gave a heartfelt rendition of Stay.

St Lucy’s Destinee Howell, put a modern twist on her Tribute to the Landship. Representing for St Philip were Shae Harding singing Bye X 2 and Talisia Mottley with Put Down De Gun.

Last year’s winner, Kibibi Greenidge, also made an appearance singing a medley of local hits which included Beautiful and Unspoilt, United in the Caribbean and Vehicle. While the judges deliberated, attendees were entertained by the versatile Right Combination band, who kept the energy levels high with local hits spanning multiple genres. Hosts for the event were Devari Springer-Lewis and Rashonda Hayde.

Speaking to the media Kimberley Allen revealed that her desire to see Christ Church win was what fuelled her entry into the competition. Highlighting the hard work they put in she shared, “We rehearsed a lot, we sang the song over and over at home and then before we went on, we were singing it outside trying to make sure that we have the correct key.” Their efforts paid off.

This year’s Spirit of the Nation show is set to take place on November 16^th at the Garfield Sobers Complex. (STT)