Nine semi-finalists with 10 songs have moved on to the final round of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival's first Music Masters competition to vie for the $20,000 grand prize and the title Music Master.
Colyn McDonald with two songs (Carnival Is Here and Jump and Carry On), Ericka "Lady E" Symonette (My Islands in the Sun), Sammi Star (Everybody Jump in Da Line), Chris "Sketch" Carey (Rushing Down the Road), Sonovia Pierre (Junkanoo Carnival Party), Bodine Johnson (All day All night), Georgina Ward-Rigby (In the Carnival), Ian McQuay (Going Home) and Tyrone "Plati" Dread (Junkanoo Rock) will duke it out for Junkanoo Carnival music supremacy on May 8.
The finalists were narrowed down from a total of 17 on the Grand Life stage in Grand Bahama over the weekend, before a thousands-strong audience, performing the songs from the 25-song Junkanoo Carnival compilation CD "Jump In Da Line". They will perform their songs on the grand stage in the finale concert with performances by Grammy Award winning Baha Men and Trinidad's soca king Machel Montano.
"We are proud to provide these talented Bahamian artists with a platform such as the Music Masters competition," said CEO of the Bahamas National Festival Commission Roscoe Dames. "Our goal is to celebrate the talent we have in our country's music industry and showcase this to the world.
"These are the nation's next wave of cultural ambassadors who will lead the revitalization of the music industry with their energy, passion and talent."
The competition also included performances by semi-finalists Angelique Sabrina, Terrelle Tynes-Wilson, Khiara Sherman, Val "Sugar" Richards, Raymond Campbell, Raj Saunders and Dwayne Simmons. Dames thanked all the contestants for their participation in the historical competition.
Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is expected to draw regional musical acts and revelers in a season of unity and festivity from May 7-9 for three days of non-stop food, culture, music and dancing, expected to be one of the most colorful celebrations in the region.
"We're inviting the world to come to The Bahamas and experience one of the most spectacular carnivals in this hemisphere," said Dames. "There is truly something for everyone at Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2015. Lots of diverse entertainment and attractions will be available during the Junkanoo Carnival season and we are excited about showcasing all the Bahamian and multi-cultural activities going on during this time."
Kicking off the festival on the Thursday will be Junkamania -- a musical concert of orchestras blending Bahamian Junkanoo music with other folk forms such as drumming and dance, on a live stage in Da Cultural Village, the epicenter of activity during the Junkanoo Carnival season. Throughout the night there will be guest performances by Bahamian contemporary artist Julien Believe, Trinidadian soca artist Bunji Garlin and soca band Visage. A top group out of Haiti will also perform on the night that will culminate with a Midnight Rush, a Junkanoo rush for the people.
On Friday night, the Music Masters concert, the premiere musical event for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival will have top contemporary artists in The Bahamas competing live in front of thousands for a chance to be crowned the Music Master.
On Saturday merrymakers are expected to take to the road in a lively and vibrant street parade of costumes and dancing to mark the season.
Saturday will also include a taste of Latin America, with a Cuban band flying in to perform as well as soca artists Skinny Fabulous and Olatunji taking to the stage for the finale event at which Bahamian music legend Ronnie Butler will make a rare appearance to perform some of his greatest hits.
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