Dear Editor,
Local singers currently competing in the GT&T jingle and star competition have indeed caught my admiration and while their progress towards international stardom will depend on the existence of a viable local industry, there is serious talent on show here especially in the English genre.
Former CEO of GT&T Mr Yog Mahadeo initiated this promising spectacle and must be given credit as well as GT&T for continuing to promote and develop local artistes. The glitzy international concerts and renowned artistes do not escape my rapt attention but rarely has a second fiddle contest excited my interest as the jingle has done. My only regret is that I was not privy to any of the live performances and I suppose it will be a challenge for GT&T to create such an atmosphere especially for those in the countryside.
In fact should this materialize I believe it will sustain a more intimate relationship with the audience and the artistes, rather than having most of the fans following on the television.
Timing, other interests, especially with the advent of accessible internet, can cause the dilemma of a large section of the public not viewing the performances and perhaps not texting for the best singer. It was by coincidence really that I was able to view the recording twice on television while browsing for something of interest and three stars from the three counties have indelibly created quite a stir for me: Natasha Yhap, Edward Perez and Michael Small in that order. The other contestants are not far behind and perhaps the choice of song will be the deciding factor since I observed that the audience is more receptive to popular tunes rather than recognizing the brilliance of an artiste combining his vocal chord, timing and stage skill to great effect in performing any song. Whatever the outcome I am very impressed with the quality of the contest, with the winner worthy of becoming a song star.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
