Pond Island:---- All the world is now a stage for TelCell’s Breakthrough youth talent winners who launched their exciting music video “Who you are” at the TelEm Group main building Friday.
The music video is a collaboration of the talents of Tristan Defoe (dance), Serenity Martinus (Rap), Reborn (formerly Arias – vocals) and the New Generation Status Drum Band.
After an encore showing to friends, family and the media Friday, the hot production will now be distributed to different parts of the world where a network of DJ’s will be asked to include a play in their party mixes.
According to producer and recording professional from Rock ‘N’ Vibes label, Berteau “Mr. Rude” Fleming, the final product is the work of the youngsters themselves with only the final “polish” provided by industry experts.
“They have done a fantastic job of coming up with their own concept, their music, their lyrics and their choreography, and have ended up with an amazing sound that has a chance to go anywhere,” said Mr. Rude.
He said he was especially pleased with the fusion of sound and the manner in which the drum band was incorporated into the final sound without causing any musical anomalies.
The music video launch is the culmination of a year of hard work and performances for the youngsters who have also had their posters raised at various locations throughout St. Maarten advocating positive messages to the island’s youth.
It is amongst a host of promises made to the Breakthrough winners by sponsors of the annual talent search competition, TelCell.
Event coordinator, Angel Richardson said she could not be more pleased and proud of the music video after hearing it for the first time before Friday’s launch.
“I was completely blown away and from the response I have been getting so far, I know other people will also be impressed with the sound,” continued Angel.
She thanked the parents and guardians of the youth for their continued support and Mr. Rude for his continued enthusiasm and commitment to the Breakthrough event – especially its importance to the St. Maarten youth and the positive message the event is intended to convey.
“I am especially grateful to other members of the team, including Cheryl Rismay, Edgardo Lynch, David Evans, Angela Fleming, Melvin Richardson, Nataska van den Berg, Lilianne de je Roberts, Marelva Jones and Hillary Williams,” continued Angel.
She said members of the team are tireless in their support for the project and spend many hours working behind the scenes to ensure the continued success of the annual event.
Angel finally thanked management of TelCell for their continued sponsorship of the TelCell Breakthrough Talent Search event, noting that without such unequivocal support the type of talent that is coming forward from the youth community would remain untapped. She also commended Mr. Joel Ayuk and team for the script and video production. Working with his team is always a great pleasure, she added.
“We continue to see the Breakthrough Talent Search grow from strength to strength and the launch of “Who you are” is hopefully one more indication of what this program is all about,” said Angel.
She wished the young performers the best of luck in developing their individual talents further in the coming years.
“I am confident that it’s only a matter of time before a St. Maarten-grown talent will be recognized globally not as a star, but a mega star,” Angel added.
Asked about their own experiences during the past year, Tristan, Serenity, Reborn and New Generation Status Drum Band members all spoke positively about their accomplishments and hopes for the future.
On the whole, all agreed that it was hard work keeping up with tight schedules of performances and studio time along with regular school hours, but in the end it was all work their effort.
They all realize that in order to be a success, a high level of commitment and hard work is required, and they are most thankful to the organizers and TelCell for giving them just a little taste of what is possible on the way to realizing their dreams to become well known stars in their own right.
Meantime the search is on for a new group of talented Breakthrough stars for the Breakthrough 2015 Talent Search auditions at the Philipsburg Cultural Center, August 15.
Organizers say they have so far received more than 100 registrations from potential performers hoping to make it to the finals later in the year.
Persons who wish to audition and are still not registered are urged to do so right away or to show up on the day of the auditions ready to perform.
