Competition judges and organisers expect the list of 10 adult finalists and four juniors (under 18-years-old) to give outstanding live performances over the next few weeks at the festival. The finalists were selected after an evaluation of CDs submitted by 25 entrants. Judges will now evaluate the performers' stage presence and crowd reaction to the performance of their songs to determine the top three finishers in both categories.
Fred Ferguson, entertainment director in Ministry of Tourism, said the competition resulted in several outstanding, original songs being available for inclusion on radio playlists.
"The standard of the finished songs are excellent," he said. "Copies of the songs have been shared with local radio stations, and we are confident that many, if not all of them, will enjoy substantial air play. We are sure that the general public will enjoy these new songs, and they can show their appreciation to the artists when they perform live at Arawak Cay this month."
The finalists will perform their songs July 15, 22 and 29 on the main stage at Arawak Cay. Winners will be named after the final performance on July 29.
As in previous years, the top finishers in the adult category will receive $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. In the junior category, the first place finisher will receive $3,000 while $2,000 and $1,000 will be awarded to second and third place finishers, respectively.
Finalists (in random order) are:
Adults
1. We Come to Have Some Fun & No Misbehaving – Jay Mitchell
2. The Art of Woo – Munks
3. Junkanoo In Ya Belly – Sparkles
4. I'm on a Budget – Sparkles
5. Ain' No Ting' – Samantha Perigord & Bazzie
6. Wash House Dilemma – Anita 'Nita' Ellis
7. For You – Lady E & Mr C
8. Rake N Scrape – Alia Coley
9. Bahama Party – Alia Coley
10. Don't Hold Me Back – Alia Coley
Juniors
1. Praise Him Everybody – The Christian Soldiers
2. Bahama Beach Party – Lil Cee
3. Naggers – Lil Diansa & Sade
4. Pay Attention – Ruthie & Friends
Courtesy of Ministry of Tourism
The Nassau Guardian
