As Barbados continues to battle COVID-19, cultural practitioners are looking for creative ideas to keep the public of Barbados entertained. One such entertainer has embarked on a virtual singing competition which is sponsored by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).
Kevin Sluggy Dan Watson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of New Jack Entertainment, and co-founder of Youth in The Spotlight which he created with Randy Eastmond has started the Stan Home Sing-Off Competition. Vocalists can submit a one-minute video of themselves singing a Barbadian song to the Bim Got Talent Instagram page where the most likes, views, and comments would win a cash prize of $500 by the NCF.
Watson said he decided to start the competition to promote the talent of the youth in Barbados.
“I had opportunities working with young people and fresh talent from working on Bajan Rhythm and Rhymes on 92.9 FM as well as Dissecting The Culture on 95.3 FM where we highlight young persons as well as educate them about the cultural landscape. With COVID-19, those options were taken away, so I decided to do it online. I decided to do a competition where I could still help young people while showcasing their talent at the same time,” he said.
Watson told Barbados TODAY that since starting the competition two weeks ago, there has been an overwhelming response with 31 persons entering the competition thus far. Two winners have been selected based on their likes, views, and comments.
In week one, the winners were Niah Mayers, Naomi Mayers, and Skyy Dowridge for their rendition of Mighty Gabby’s hit song Emmerton. In week two, Shakeem Thomas won for his rendition of Sometime.
Watson revealed that there would also be giveaways each week. These are sponsored by Carib Beer, Ginseng Up, Smalta, Trident 10 TV, COSCAP Barbados, Eden Lodge Youth and Charitable Trust, Pawn Brokers, Write Right PR Services, Kap9media, Quantum Productions, and Ruby’s Extraordinary Fishcakes. This week’s first recipient was Ranesha Stewart who received a case of Smalta for her dedication to the art form.
The full list of persons who have entered the competition thus far are: Shakeem Thomas, Niah Mayers, Naiomi Mayers, Sskyy Dowridge, Ranesha Stewart, Dianna Price, Sheena Hinds, Peitra Morgan, Samantha Greaves, Keisha Grandison, Shaquon Tull, Kamiya Tull, Tyra Trotman, Jasmine Miller, Leandra Roach, Francois Clarke, Jalisa Alleyne, Kareem Holder, Aleeka Hinds-Orisawayi, Rodney Griffith, Keizah Murray, Rico Roberts, Christianna Fenty, Abianna Fenty, Paulanna Fenty, Jalisa White, Miracle Murrell, Chad White, and Kreig Thompson.
The CEO of New Jack Entertainment said he has plans to host semi-finals and finals but is seeking sponsorship from members of the public and the private sector to make his dreams a reality.
The competition continues this week and interested persons can submit their videos to kaw.yitsdp@gmail.com and or WhatsApp 825-1645. (MR)
