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February 13, 2008
Dancehall Competition seeped in history
Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall contest, initiated to bring forward the new generation of dancehall stars, has received an overwhelming response from those following the live auditions as well as those televised. Now being hailed by many as a landmark achievement in the history of Jamaican entertainment, the contest passed through different areas in Jamaica, discovering talent never before seen, heard or exposed.
Aired on TVJ, the auditions were held in Portmore, Savanna-La-Mar, Mandeville and Ocho Rios with the final one taking place recently in Kingston. While primarily aiming at giving every area the opportunity to shine, each parish was chosen for other specific reasons; as the initiators of this search for stardom recognized the rich heritage of reggae music embedded in Jamaica’s beautiful corners and crevices.
All parishes were acknowledged as contributing to the growth of Reggae, but the first auditions took place in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland and got rave reviews. Westmoreland was chosen because many great reggae minds were born in that parish. They include: singer and DJ Scotty, a former rock steady and later reggae chart topper of the late 60s and early 70s and Peter Tosh – a founding Wailer who mastered his solo career, releasing hits like the 1976 "Legalize It" that became one of the greatest records of all time.
Auditions moved to Ocho Rios, St Ann, a parish central to the development of reggae in many ways. Not only had it been the birthplace of Bob Marley, but legends like: Burning Spear, Max Romeo and Shabba Ranks were also born in the northern parish.
Manchester, Mandeville has over the years produced some of reggaes best artists as well. Award winning performers like: Garnett Silk, Jacob Miller, and Free-I are just some of those hailing from the very red earthed parish, along with General Degree, who is also a co-judge of the Magnum Kings and Queens Dancehall Competition.
Portmore, St Catherine is the well known home of STING and the the dormitory home of some of dancehall's hottest acts like: Spice, Deva Brat, Vybz Kartel and Mad Cobra to name a few.
Kingston, with is large concentration of reggae industry players and institutions, is central to the history of Jamaican music and remains the current hub of a nightly cultural musical explosion. For this reason, the live shows will be held there.
Beginning in February, these shows will be staged at Weekendz, the home of Bembe.
Watch out for a new generation of dancehall royalty, brought to you by Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall.