On a night of great youthful talent, Kenaz Walker ‘spouged’ his way to victory in the final of the 2024 Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition, at The Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre on Sunday.
Walker took top spot with 1 245 points, walked away with $10 000, a trophy, and also copped the Best Spouge Song award.
Walker, known to many as Bit-Bit, thrilled the crowd with his sweet voice and fancy footwork while rendering I Hear A Love Song by Mark Lord, and especially with the Ides of March’s 1970 up-tempo hit Vehicle, which was covered beautifully by father of the competition Richard Stoute. Walker seemed a clear winner long before it was made official.
Taking second place was the talented Kyrique Alleyne. His first-half performance of Byron Cage’s Thou Are A Shield For Me was somewhat lowkey but he made up for it in a major way with his dynamic rendition of Bridgetown Market by The Mighty Gabby. Alleyne took away $5 000 and a trophy for the 1 221 points he tallied.
Third place, with 1137 points, was the charming Joshua Osborne whose diction was among the best on the night. He was excellent with Brian McKnight’s One Last Cry in his first appearance before the judges. He was even better the second time around with For You by Kenny Lattimore. Part of the song he rendered in Spanish and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Osborne is one to watch in the future. He received $3 500, a trophy and also won the Richard Stoute Award.
Fourth place was taken by Jaliah Thompson who rocked the hall in both her appearances. She had a fabulous time on stage while belting out Gloria Gaynor’s smash disco hit I Will Survive and also did a soca medley in the second half to complete a sizzling display. She gained 1 106 points and received $2 000 and a trophy.
Rounding up the top five was Kymani Devonish who amassed 1 055 points and took home $1 500 and a trophy. Devonish rendered His Life For Mine by Talley Trio and I Believe by Fantasia Barrino. His placement did not go over well with a family member who was very vocal and demonstrative in showing her displeasure with the result.
Others to go before the judges were Kayla Alleyne who did Stop The Violence and Anyway; Roneisha Alleyne with Somewhere Over The Rainbow and Reflections; Kadarius Allen rendering Who’s Loving You and How Many More; the talented Zz Cumberbatch with I Love The Lord and Emmerton; and Jasmine Walkes with Halo and My Heart Will Go On.
The Most Promising Award for the season went to Tyrell Ifill.
(CW)
