Kingston, Jamaica – The phenomenal popularity of Dancehall music in Jamaica and on the international scene is without question. Since the 1980’s the genre has been a staple of Jamaican culture. It has presented the avenue for many young Jamaican males and females to earn a good living, and as such, there are many aspiring young persons, seeking to enter this arena, with the hope of getting their “big break” in this industry.
Recognizing the importance of Dancehall, Magnum Tonic Wine, with supporting sponsors Digicel and Tru Juice have decided to make their contribution to its development by launching a talent competition focused specifically on unearthing new Dancehall talent .
The competition, which was launched at the Asylum nightclub, on Tuesday October 9, 2007, will consist of five auditions across the island, starting in Sav La Mar and moving through Mandeville, Ocho Rios, Portmore and finally Kingston. Out of these auditions, ten female and ten male contestants will be chosen to proceed to the next round of competition.
Auditions will be broadcast starting January 2008, while elimination rounds will be held live on television between February and April, at the end of which a King of Dancehall and a Queen of Dancehall will be declared. In addition to the dancehall talent, the televised shows will have a comedy component where new comedy talent will also be unearthed. To top it all, various exciting fashion pieces from the top Dancehall designers will be featured.
According to Gary Dixon of Magnum Tonic Wine, the major sponsor of the project, “this competition promises to be an exciting display of talent, music and drama, all of which are the hallmarks of the Dancehall Culture. Magnum Tonic Wine is proud to be able to be play its role in making this project a reality”
Wayne Miller, Marketing Manager of Digicel was equally thrilled, He commented “This competition will seek out and unleash innumerable talent from all across the island and provide a springboard for the further development of the individuals, while making a significant contribution to the development of dancehall music. It will reinforce the importance of this genre to Jamaica and in fact on the world stage,”
In addition, Danielle Terrelonge of Tru-Juice is proud of her company’s involvement in the project. She commented, “Dancehall has been an integral part of our Jamaican culture for years, and it is time that it is given the attention that is needed, to foster its future development and growth. This competition will seek to do this”.
The Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall will each receive a cash prize of $500,000, the release of a single and a music video.
Look out for auditions starting in Sav La Mar on November 3, 2007 and following each Saturday until December 2, 2007.
Keep tuned to TVJ and RETV for the official broadcasts starting January 2008.
Contact
Marcia McDonnough
Touchstone Productions
79 Hope Road
St. Andrew
Telephone – 876-927-3434
