More than 20 competitors squared off in the hunt for supremacy when the NIFCA Music Finals 2023 took place on Sunday night at the Frank Collymore Hall.
Attracting a capacity crowd, the judging panel faced a challenging task. The event, which featured a packed lineup of talent with several performers making repeat appearances, wrapped up close to midnight.
Among those making an impression in both segments was MLVP Elite Vox, led by Marlon Legall. Known for his dramatic flair, he directed the group in a unique performance of Four Women by Nina Simone in the opening half. The four lead singers had their faces draped with fabric, which they tossed aside as they performed their solo parts. In the second half, the group delivered an extraordinary rendition of John King’s How Many More, capturing the song’s angst with their chorus of voices and attention-grabbing antics. Legall’s touch also enhanced the presentation of the Coleridge and Parry School Choir, singing Winner and Lift Me Up. With beaming smiles, their enjoyment was evident.
The students of St Cyprian’s Boys’ School supported by a vocal entourage, received boisterous cheers every time they appeared on stage. Their offerings included a rendition of RPB’s Something Happening and the original 246 by the St Cyprian’s Boys Band. The Cyptones’ lighthearted De Conkie Song, an adaptation of Bruce Lee Almightee’s Road March winner Mauby, was well-received. The refrain “I going tear the leaves off of you,” had the audience in stitches.
ZZ Cumberbatch shocked patrons with the low tenor of her powerful voice which belied her diminutive frame. She left the audience in awe with her renditions of Beautiful Barbados and the inspirational Thank You for It All.
The Cyptones had all the antics for ‘De Conkie Song’.
Dacia Moore of Deighton Griffith School was memorable with Emmerton.
Dressed in a sparkling aquamarine mermaid-fit gown, three-time Junior Monarch winner Shontae Alleyne-Clarke displayed her versatility as an artiste by performing Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All. She returned to her soca roots with her Crop Over 2023 release Bajan Tings.
Vocalists fresh off success in other competitions were in the lineup. Winners of the recently contested Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition and the Over 21 category, Skyy Dowridge and Kibibi Greenidge, respectively, were among the challengers. Dowridge’s stellar voice was prominent on Love is the Key. Greenidge, who also won the Spirit of the Nation Talent Competition sang Feeling Good and The Clock.
Shontae Alleyne-Clarke showed her versatility, performing a ballad.
Fellow top-place finisher in that contest Jedidah Graham was among the NIFCA finalist singing For Every Mountain. Jaleesa Greaves, another product of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition, was also impressive with Stay and Hallelujah
Instrumentalists also shone, with Christ Church Foundation School delivering exceptional presentations under the dynamic direction of Lowrey Worrell. Their pieces Tribute to De Doctor and TNT Soca Medley earned them a standing ovation. The Haynesville Youth Club brought their characteristic dynamism to Riddim and Tempo 1 and 2. Saxophonists Nikhyl Burnett of the Christ Church Foundation School entertained with In Christ Alone while Johnathan Jordan did Saving All My Love for You. The soothing tones of the multitalented vocalist Athalia Crump, who skilfully played her own guitar, were also featured in both segments.
Johnathan Jordan performed ‘Saving All My Love for You’.
Choral presentations were made by the St Bartholomew Primary School Choir, St Luke’s Academy Choir, and the Ellerslie School Choir. Adding diversity to the cast, Christ the King Boomwhackers performed I’m Alive.
The lineup also included appearances by young gospel singer Rachel Carter, with a powerful rendition of Worthy of It All, Relisaa Mitcham with the compelling Fly on the Wall, and Arlington Daniel who set the stage with a smooth delivery of Los Barbados to open the show.
The finals will continue Tuesday at the Frank Collymore Hall with the NIFCA 2023 Performing Arts Finals. (STT)
Arlington Daniel opened the competition.
