|
|
NYAC Stars of Tomorrow Prize Giving 2008
2008 Stars of Tomorrow
TriniSoca.com Reporters
Event Date: May 24, 2008
A small but appreciative crowd gathered at the Atrium of Guardian Holdings Building Ltd, West Moorings, on Saturday 24th May, 2008, to attend the NACC and Guardian General Ltd's 19th Annual Prize Giving Function for winners of the 2008 NYAC Stars of Tomorrow Calypso Competition. NJAC and its youth arm, NYAC, has long been at the forefront of developing the Calypso art form among young people. Now in its 19th year of existence, this competition has produced several Dimanche Gras participants, Young Kings and Queens and many other successful young Calypsonians, poised to take the mantle from the elders and carry on this noble tradition.
While the programme got off to a late start, it proceeded smoothly thereafter with the playing of the National Anthem by the band that accompanied all the performers, Earl Knight and the Services Brass; opening remarks by Sister Dela Obika, a prayer by Gospel-Calypso artist Sean Daniel, an address by Akhenaton Daaga, outgoing president of the NYAC and now communications officer of NJAC, and a feature address by Nicole Loney-Mills, Corporate Marketing and Communications Assistant of Guardian General Ltd.
Mr. Akhenaton Daaga commended the work of the competition's faithful sponsor Guardian General Ltd, who has worked with the organization over its 19-year existence and has proven itself as a supporter and patron of the arts and of youth development. He noted the importance of the arts in developing the confidence, civic awareness and patriotism of young people and announced that in 2009 the Stars of Tomorrow competition will be moving across the wider Caribbean as part of its effort to internationalize Calypso and other indigenous art forms.
In her address, Nicole Loney-Mills reiterated the commitment of Guardian General Ltd to youth development and noted that this year the company doubled its contribution to the program to $100,000 as proof of its continued support and dedication. She then congratulated all the winners for their commitment to their artistry and to their own personal development.
The performances then got underway with guest artiste Sean Daniel, a former winner of the Stars of Tomorrow competition singing "One a Day" and "My Country". Then each winner performed a shortened version of their song before prizes were distributed. Consolation prizes were awarded to Cindy Alleyne performing "Johnny Doh Go"; Jeanine Clarke for "First Night"; Garvin Pantor, "Mama Africa"; Mark Eastman, "Fifty Percent"; Kayode Salina who performed a duet with Cindy Alleyne, "My Love"; Richard Valentine, "Find a Band"; Ancil Valley, "Personal"; Shawn Thomas, "Wine on U" and Stephen Marcelle, "Genocide Black on Black".
Three guest performers, Ferdinand Smith with "Ah ready", Emily Allen, "Education is the Key" and Mighty Diamond, the 2008 Young King, with "Crime Issues" followed, then the crowd heard performances by the top 10 winners of the competition who were awarded prizes sponsored by Guardian General Ltd. The top 10 placings are as follows:
Jervae Caesar performs 'Fraid To Fight'
Place / Name / Calypso / Prizes
1st Jervae Caesar / Fraid Tuh Fight / $12,500 and a keyboard
2nd Monique Hector / Sisters Looking / $7,500
3rd Sekon Alves / When We Meet / $3,500, guitar
4th Shamika Denoon / Trust / $3,500.00
4th Kirt Ross / Slaves of the System / $3,500
6th Amrika Mutroo / The Remedy / $2,500
7th Wendy Thomas / The 300 Club / $2,500
8th Giselle Fraser / Choices / $2,500.00
9th Clint Davis / Tribute to Superblue / $2,500
10th Debra Alleyne / Trini Personality / $2,500
10th / Ricardo Learmont / Fathers of This Land / $2,500
First place winner Jervae Caesar thanked the NYAC for allowing him a chance to find himself within the artistic community and realize that Calypso was his form of artistic expression. He spoke of the frustration that artistes sometimes feel and noted the importance of continued support to ensure that promising, young Calypsonians do not opt out of the art form due to lack of support and encouragement. He commended Guardian General for its involvement and thanked the NYAC and other competitors for their inspiration and stiff competition.
The performances concluded with an entertaining rendition by 'Explainer' of two of his hits including "Lauren"; competition winners were singing back-up and encouraging the audience to sing along too. He too commended the artists on a job well done while cautioning them that Calypso is a tough business. "You are only as good as your last song, but a good song is always a good song," he said, encouraging them to always give of their best in their writing and performing.
The evening ended with congratulations and best wishes for next year's competition and the continued development of the Stars of Tomorrow Competition and the wider Calypso art form.
NYAC Stars of Tomorrow Prize-Giving 2008 in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=102867
|
|
