Miss Jamaica World 2015: Got Talent!
Judging by the mass that came out to support the diverse talents of the participants of Panasonic’s Miss Jamaica World (MJW) Talent Fast Track Competition last Friday night, Fiction Fantasy Nightclub was the hottest spot to be.
As the room filled with excitement and anticipation from family, friends and well-wishers who came to support and encourage the contestants in their second public appearance, the feeling backstage was a tad bit different. Fear and anxiety ran through the veins of the 18 beautiful young women, especially after MC Melissa ‘Candy’ Chin reminded them that the winner of the talent competition secures her place in the top 15 position at the grand coronation show to be held on August 15 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
Finding Favour
After the crowd was treated to vibrant music, it was time for the ladies to sing, dance, and orate, all with the hope of finding favour with the judges to be the one selected as the Talent Fast Track winner. The well-known, equipped judges included Tanya Lee – caribbean marketing manager at SportsMax; Aston Cooke – Chairman of Jamaica Cultural Development Commission; Ewan Simpson – musical director at the National Dance Theatre Company, and Miss Jamaica World 2014, Laurie-Ann Chin, critiqued based on quality of presentation/delivery, stage use, technique and confidence.
Very often we hear about beauty and brains and the ladies of MJW 2015 were a testament to this – poised, talented and multifaceted. From start to finish, patrons and the distinguished judges were treated as the ladies’ talents ranged from vocals, martial and visual arts showcase, to dramatisations and dances.
Challenging Task
The judges were faced with a challenging task as a number of pieces were exhilarating, starting with Suchelis Rhodd – Miss Klip Xtreme, who performed a classical song. She surprised the audience by hitting all her notes and showcasing her vocal variety; for her effort, she placed third. Cavel Campbell – Miss Nargia’s Beauty, did a dance piece titled The way I feel. The dance was filled with dramatics and suspicion that had both the audience and judges engaged, earning her second place.
Sanneta Myrie – Miss Evergrow Garden Centre, winner of the competition and now the first contestant to secure a place in the top 15, did a dance piece that incorporated a recorded speech done by her. Myrie’s dance movement placed emphasis on our African roots and story, which earned her the appreciation and gratification of the crowd. Rounding out the top five was Krystal Tomlinson – Miss Spa Aesthetique, who did a dramatisation with dance movements and a recorded speech, and Royanne DeSilva – Miss Future Energy Source, who did a sign language piece, One Day, that also included dance and a recorded speech.
“I am humbled and honoured to be the winner of theTalent Fast Track Competition as it was a stiff competition and the ladies did well. I am excited to grow and not just be a beauty but be a purpose to represent brand Jamaica” said Myrie. As Myrie shared with The Gleaner her passion for mentorship and inspiring Jamaicans to be the best of themselves, the curtains came down and the contestants got to mix and mingle with patrons and danced to the pulsating music. They had a blast with what was left of the night.
