Magnum’s got talent!
Potential princes and princesses of dancehall turned out in their numbers to the final Jamaican audition for Magnum Kings and Queens (MKQ) of Dancehall.
The popular Dancehall show, now in its eighth season, has auditioned more than 2,000 up and coming Jamaican talents aiming to join the ranks of Magnum Royalty such as Jah Bouks, Specialist, Chozenn and Stylish, past MKQ contestants who have gone on to establish promising musical careers.
The Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre was abuzz with seemingly nervous contestants, practising their audition entries, while others formed small groups to lyrically spar in order keep their rhymes in top shape, before heading to preliminary judges Kool Face, Scott Wilson, Scientist and past MKQ contestant Melloquence.
Kingston auditions certainly did not disappoint with the calibre of talent that turned out to impress resident judges Skatta Burrell and Professor Nuts.
“We’ve discovered so much talent from auditions that took place all over the island, that Kingston simply put the icing on the cake. I am looking forward to an exciting live-show series come next year,” stated Professor Nuts.
Standout talents include Tashina McKenzie, who with impressive stage presence, delivered a melodious yet hardhitting original song, Nah Lef, a warning to relationship detractors that she has no intention of abandoning ship. Electric also delivered a standout performance with his tongue-in-cheek Rasta Ride song.
The final auditions take place in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Saturday, the first time auditions will take place outside Jamaica.
Sophia Bernard-Fairman, group brand manager, fortified wines and liqueurs, J Wray and Nephew, is proud to support the move of discovering musical stars in the Caribbean.
“Magnum is excited to expand the search for reggae and dancehall talent in the Caribbean and is proud to assist in the development of local and regional talent. We will continue to support Kings and Queens in unearthing future stars as they expand their search to the region,” she said.
