POND ISLAND – Saturday’s, October 1, TelCell Breakthrough Talent Search finals turned out to be another runaway success for show promoters, and the 20 hugely talented youngsters taking part in the island’s premier youth event.
For the fourth year, the 20 contestants went through a repertoire of songs, jokes and dances. They also displayed outstanding dexterity and skill kin playing instruments and even breathing fire on a stage where the tempo was already burning hot.
At the end of a thumping night, six returned to the stage to be crowned TelCell’s Breakthrough Winners 2016, by TelEm Group’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Brian Mingo, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Helma Etnel.
The six winners and their respective categories are:
Kevin Lambert: Instruments Category
Leo Alexander: Rapping Category
Diandra Marlin: Vocals Category
Aesha Gibson: Technique Dance
Keeshaun Hodge: Urban Dance
George Woodley: Rare/Unique Talent Category
The TelCell Breakthrough winners have each won a Samsung Galaxy J7 Smartphone compliments of TelCell, and iPad compliments of Blue Point, airline tickets compliments of Insel Air; a weekend stay at Summit Hotel and a $150 gift certificate from Soualiga Service Point.
Their top prize is the chance to collaborate on a single and video clip under the Rock’N Vibes Label.
Organizers also announced 1st runner-up and individual prize winners: Andy Pascals-Instruments; Jason Brice-Rapping; Jermain Roberts-Vocals; Jeanille Gibs-Technique Dance; Kirk Vital-Urban Dance; Sjoerd Scott-Rare/Unique Talent.
Best Digital Diary was Aesha Gibson; and Best Team Spirit was Keeshaun Hodge. Winner of TelCell’s SMS Campaign with 1,789 votes was Kevin Lambert; Most Creative Performance was Sjoerd Scott.
First and runner-up prize winners took home a smartphone and accessories, USB stick, a charter trip to Anguilla courtesy of VIP Destinations, and gift vouchers courtesy of Jay & Mae Watersports.
According to the show’s co-organizer Angel Richardson of TelEm Group, Saturday night got off to a rousing start at the Theater Royale in Maho, when all 20 contestants wowed the massive crowd, and the five judges with a joint opening number that really set the tone for the entire night.
“With the smooth transitions of the MC Peter J. and backstage crew, things just could not have gone better for us,” said Richardson.
She said it was clear that the performers were having fun and the audience was really enjoying the acts.
“I am most proud that everyone left happy and satisfied with the judging, the performers, the atmosphere and ambience of the evening and the positive impression that our youth have once again given to their community,” said Richardson, who also thanked the team of volunteers who had been working for the past several weeks to ensure everything went smoothly that night.
“Without the hard work and dedication of David Evans, Cheryl Rismay and Mr. Rude, as the backbone of the event, this event would never happen,” stated Richardson.
Co-organizer Berteaux “Mr. Rude” Fleming of Xtratight Entertainment, was in awe at the spectacular night and the high quality of the acts.
“Just when you think these youngsters have reached a level, then they come and hit you with another high grade of performance that just leaves you shaking your head. They are just brilliant,” he said.
However, the winners will have their talents stretched to the limit in the coming weeks and months by Mr. Rude and other producers, as he takes them through the various stages of preparing for, writing, recording, mixing and performing their own CD and later, their own music video, making use of his producing and recording expertise.
Mr. Rude will also help the youth market their talents locally and wider afield in search of a possible career in the music or entertainment industry.
Organizers of the event say the coming weeks will be very busy for this year’s TelCell Breakthrough winners, and their families as they start to get involved in various activities, including having their posters placed at schools, sports venues and other key locations around the island, promoting positive and uplifting messages to the island’s youth.
