POND ISLAND:--- TelCell's Breakthrough 2013 youth talent show winners Jabari York (Rapping); Geniquah Thewet (Vocals); Cherianne Dangleben York (Instruments) and Bianca Dijkhofzz (dance) have launched their first CD in a blaze of excitement and eager anticipation for the future.
The talented youths collaborated on the CD project by writing the lyrics, doing the arrangements, doing the vocals and instrumentals and putting down the mix under the watchful guidance of music producer, Berteaux "Mr. Rude" Fleming, of Xtratight Entertainment.
The CD, entitled "TelCell Breakthrough – Life" is described as a musical fusion of Hip-Hop and reggae. It will be distributed locally to radio stations and nightclubs for airplay before being tested on the international market.
The Breakthrough 2013 winners were presented with the first printed copies of the CDs by TelEm Group's Chief Commercial officer (CCO) Mr. Brian Mingo, during a short presentation ceremony at the TelEm Group main building on Pond Island, Wednesday.
"We are very proud to have reached this stage with the Breakthrough winners and that we are delivering on our promise to assist them in realizing their dreams," said Mr. Mingo.
He said the talented youth are becoming celebrities amongst their peers, having appeared on several posters around school and sports premises, promoting positive messages to the island's youth.
They have also taken part in other company promotions since being named winners in their respective categories.
Mr. Mingo said the CD recording is of a very high quality and the track is especially notable because it is the collaborative work of three of the youngsters working together to produce a very pleasing rhythm.
Music producers, "Mr. Rude" said one of the four winners, Bianca Dijkhofzz, is a dance category winner and therefore does not perform on the CD like the other three winners, however, she will feature prominently in a music CD that the group are also producing and filming starting this week.
"I have been very impressed with the level of professionalism and seriousness that everyone has put into the making of the CD, now it's my turn to send it for some airplay, get some buzz going and the aim for the international market," said Mr. Rude.
He said because of the diverse talents involved, a way had to be found to allow each of the performers to showcase their art form while ensuring a pleasant sound from the final result.
"Jabari was able to do his thing with rap and since reggae is pretty close to R&B in rhythm, we were able to combine the reggae vocals of Geniquah and then add the pan solo from Cherianne in the mix," said the music producer.
"We used live instruments to create the professional sound and I am very, very pleased with the result," added "Mr. Rude."
Both Mr. Mingo and Mr. Rude thanked TelCell staffers, Angel Richardson, Cheryl Rismay and Marelva Jones-Felix for their continued support and encouragement of the Breakthrough 2013 winners.
"Thanks to their input, the youth of St. Maarten are really getting a chance to showcase their talents," said Mr. Mingo.
Telem Press Release