In line with this very special year of firsts, history graced the stages of the Digicel Rising Stars Competition on Friday night when Cameal Davis was voted in as the first female Rising Star ever.
Taking the highly coveted Rising Star crown was a feat many female competitors have only come very close to doing. Former top contestants like, Renee, Dianna Rutherford, Nickeisha Barnes, Lenya Wilks and Jodiann Pantry missed their own targeted marks as guys overpowered them with more votes; however a change has definitely come.
Cameal's was an aggressive and strategic campaign for the win, that has seen her overcoming many odds to emerge a winner above all her male opponents. Never in the five year history of this series has grace, beauty and style really made the difference, but the Denham Town Princess came around and forced a change.
"You are an example of what we can expect and what can come from young people, especially in the inner-city communities...Cameal you are an example especially to young females, you are a winner with grace, style and class," Nadine Sutherland said to Cameal just before her win was announced.
You won't be winning tonight because you are a woman, but becasue you are the best contestant," was Judge Anthony's final comments to Cameal.
Holding back tears, Cameal thanked Jamaica for being behind all the contestants all the way. "Thanks Digicel and big up Mommy [who] has really been behind me and believed in me," she said.
Cameal's mother Juliet was equally in praise, "I believe in Cameal and I knew she could do it so it is no surprise that my baby won."
Runner up Kahlil said, "We have no bad feelings, and it's just pure love; we are really happy for Cameal. We're all champions."
The party was swung over to Mas Camp from the Courtleigh Auditorium, where the 2008 Digicel Rising Stars competiton came to a splendid ending. With great energy from Elephant Man, the crowd was up and about singing word for word as he rocked the grounds with his number one hit "Nuh Linga." The Energy God then called out Khalil the second place winners of the Digicel Rising Star competition and together they got their due respect from the crowd.
Cameal also had patrons at Mas Camp rocking when along with Marcia Griffiths she performed a duet that put a new spin to the "Electric Boogie."
Other highlights of the night were outstanding performances from the talented Busy Signal, Chritopher Martin and Romain Virgo who had the crowd in his favor with a stunning appearance. Laden, who place 5th place in the competition two years ago showed off his musical development that has taken him to the halls of the 'Big Ship' reggae family, where he is churning out big tunes. Cecile, also gave the audience a solid performance.
Before the night ended the crowd was entertained by Kiki and Yendi when they popped the gully creepa and nuh linga to everyone's delight.
