St Michael Parish Dominates at Community Independence Celebrations Talent Finals

The parish of St Michael clinched the top two positions when the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat held its Parish Talent Finals on Saturday night.

Typically held as part of the Spirit of the Nation Gala in November, this year the organisers hosted the talent finals as a separate event at the Frank Collymore Hall. The finalists were drawn from the respective parish talent shows in the Central, Southern and Northern Zones.

While the finale showcased diverse talents, it was the vocalists who dominated on the night.

Kibibi Greenidge, a seasoned performer, exuded confidence as she delivered a powerful rendition of The Clock made popular by the late Carlyn Leacock. Her flawless execution, particularly during the Spanish verse of the song, earned her top ranking.

Following in second place was Jedidah Graham, who added her own flavour to Gabby’s classic Emmerton. Graham’s performance was emotionally charged when she sobbed for dramatic effect as she took to the stage.

When the 1-2 finish was announced, the vocal St Michael contingent erupted in cheers as they waved white balloons in the air.

Rounding out the top three was Relissa Mitcham from Christ Church who delivered a touching tribute to her grandmother. As the screens behind her displayed scenes from a beloved matriarch’s funeral, the depth of her loss was evident to all in attendance.

Also in the winners’ row were the aptly named De Boys from St Thomas, the final competitors of the night. They confidently claimed the title of Most Impactful. Led by saxophonist Kofi Gilkes, the instrumentalists displayed their skill on Leadpipe and Jus-Jay’s Brain Freeze.

Doleen Barrow, representing St Lucy, won the title of Most Original with her dramatic presentation titled Bajan Artefacts. In this presentation, she educated the audience about various implements that were once commonplace in Barbadian households. Her witty explanations of items such as the jukking board, the kerosene oil lamp and the topsy were as humorous as they were entertaining and informative.

Kearra Gittens brought a unique dimension to the event with her compelling mime called The Hanging Tree. Utilising ultraviolet lighting, she conveyed a powerful glow-in-the-dark message about overcoming life’s obstacles.

The Touch of Love duo of Natalie Hinkson and Shane Headley represented St George. They delivered a solid performance, clearly benefiting from their experience in the Richard Stoute Over-21 Competition. Young calypsonian Kadarius Allen, a Junior Monarch Competition regular, fully utilised the stage when he performed War Zone.

Rachel Carter was a burst of energy on stage, visibly relishing every moment as she sang the gospel song Good to Me while representing St George. Calypso was well represented with Shae Harding from St Philip singing Coopa Dan’s Crop Over hit Reflections, and Kiarah Henry from St John rendering Edwin Yearwood’s Something Greater. Shawn Cumberbatch from the Super Gladiators tent performed his own Crop Over composition, De Bullying Song.

Other competitors included The Golden Girls from St Andrew, with their dance Dis is We, Jasiah Moore from St Lucy singing Stop the Violence, and Loleeka Aleeka Hinds-Orisawayi from St James with her original song Let Them See.

As the judges deliberated, guest performers Leadpipe and Saddis entertained the audience with a medley of their popular hits.

In commemoration of the Year of the Youth, seasoned emcee Kirk Brown was joined by budding host Devari Springer-Lewis as co-host for the show.

Among those who presented the awards to the prize winners was Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith. At the show’s conclusion, he expressed pleasure with the calibre of the production and the talent on display. (STT)