By Michron Robinson
Baje to the World Season 3 Preliminary Challenge got off to a rocking start on Sunday at the Darryl Jordan Secondary School and the 22 contestants surely brought the fire to the north.
They received their very first challenge of performing work dedicated to Barbadian greats ranging from Wendy Alleyne to Cultural Ambassador the Most Honourable Anthony “Gabby” Carter to Richard Stoute.
Jacob Layson did a song by Ivory – Keep Your Head High.
There were many standout performances on the evening, including that of Kyrique Alleyne, who executed a superb rendition of Bridgetown by the Mighty Gabby. He was a clear crowd favourite.
Lo Leeka was sweet as she performed Just As Long As We Have Love by Carlyn Leacock
Judge Philip Forrester described the performance as ‘unforgettable’ adding that Alleyne, who is the reigning king of the Mr Lux Gem 2022 pageant, left him speechless. “What I like is the way you made me forget Gabby and nobody does that quite frankly. You have been able to take this record and make me feel like you’re the original artist,” he said to the proud youngster.
Sanijah Gaskin did Kareem Clarke’s United in the Caribbean.
Also in the second half was Neilon Lyte, who performed an adaptation of How Many More by John King. There were issues with diction, but his performance was still very much appreciated from his energy to the simple way he presented himself. He should be one to look out for in the future.
Lui, the Bajan who admitted that he was driven to perform because of his “obsession with fame for the past ten years”, represented himself well with his dramatic act, The Bajan Masterpiece.
Chief Judge Senator John King gave him a clear thumbs up. “I got it from the beginning to the end. I loved the way you showed the different characters and the use of the language,” he said. “It was just unbelievable man,” King gushed.
He’s So Fine by Wendy Alleyne was well done by Jalissa Edwards.
Reigning Junior Monarch winner in the senior category, Yahandje Daniel performed Love & A Song by Carlyn Leacock. Leacock would’ve been proud.
Also performing a Carlyn Leacock number was Lo Leeka, who performed Just as Long as We Have Love. She gained favourable feedback from the judges. Judge Adrian Clarke described the song choice as fairly good but advised her to put more effort into her diction. Jennifer Sealy said that her Lo Leeka’s performance was “enjoyable”.
Well respected spoken word artist Carmen performed the spoken word piece Lost which is her original.
Representing the young men on the evening and superbly for himself was Kymani Devonish, who stepped out sharply in fine style and voice. He put his own twist on Vehicle by Richard Stoute. Senator King said that there was something just “magnetic” about Devonish.
Miracle Rice was surely a blessing. She performed Hold Me, Love Me, Take Me Home by Wendy Alleyne and was congratulated on a job well done.
Kumasi Devonish was exceptional with his rendition of Vehicle by Richard Stoute.
In the area of spoken word was Cyndi Celeste, who did justice to her original piece of Spouge Lore. She was a crowd favourite, bringing the energy and educating along the way.
Contestant Number 12 was Nefanna Potthoff, who danced her way into the hearts of the judges. Adrian Clarke described her as a rhythmic little one who brought just the spark needed in the evening.
Lui the Bajan performed the spoken word piece The Bajan Masterpiece which was an original.
With a good voice, Jalissa Edwards performed He’s So Fine by Wendy Alleyne. Judge Forrester advised she seemed to be doing a bit too much. Other judges thought she did pretty well, including Chief Judge Senator King.
Nylon Lyte did his version of How Many More by John King.
Young one Skyy Dowridge was phenomenal with her cover of Love Is the Key by Charmain Heyliger. Adrian Clarke described her voice as “excellent”, adding, “In a few years the world has to look out.”
In their final comments, the judges said they were impressed with the level of talent from the north. “There were quite a few performances that I will remember as I leave here. They were outstanding to say the least. I believe if we stay on this trajectory this is going to be fire,” Forrester said.
Kyrique Alleyne performed Bridgetown by the Mighty Gabby.
Meanwhile, Senator King encouraged Barbadians to support their own. “I just want to challenge those people who are watching on TV to come out because you would be totally blown away.”
(MR)
