Pond Island:---- Saturday’s TelCell Breakthrough Talent Search finals turned out to be another runaway success for show promoters and the 20 hugely talented youngsters taking part on the island’s premier youth event.
For the fourth year running, the 20 contestants went through a repertoire of songs, jokes and dances. They also displayed outstanding dexterity and skill 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 Breakthrough Winners – 2016, by TelEm Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, (CCO), Mr. Brian Mingo, and Chief Financial Officer, (CFO), Mrs. 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 the Summit Hotel and a $150 Gifty 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.
The organizers also announced the winners of 1st Runner-up and individual prizes: 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 : Aesha Gibson; Best Team Spirit: Keeshaun Hodge
Winner Telcell SMS Campaign with 1789 votes: Kevin Lambert
Most Creative Performance: Sjoerd Scott
The 1st-runner-up prize winners took home a smartphone and accessories, a USB stick, a charter trip to Anguilla courtesy of VIP Destinations and gift vouchers courtesy of Jay & Mae Watersports.
Saturday night was not only an unforgettable one for the performers but also for the packed audience, consisting of devoted fans, members of their families, friends – and just plain old lovers of top class entertainment.
According to the show’s co-organizer, Angel Richardson, of TelEm Group, Saturday night got off to a rousing start at the Theater Royale, 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 MCee Peter J and backstage crew, things just could not have gone better for us,”said Angel.
She said it was clear that the performers were having fun and that the audience was really enjoying the acts before them.
“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 Angel, who has also thanked the team of volunteers who have been working for the past several weeks to ensure everything went smoothly on the 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,” assured Angel.
Co-organizer, Mr. Berteaux “Mr. Rude” Fleming, of Xtratight Entertainment, also was in awe of the spectacular night and the high quality of the acts.
“Just when who 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.
The TelCell Breakthrough Winners will however 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.
The 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 actives – 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.
