ARTISTE Elevation, a competition which seeks to make a star of its winner, begins at the Portmore Mall's Amphitheatre in St Catherine, on Friday, March 1.

Now in its third year, the event is hosted by cable station Link TV and Sashga Production.

"This year's theme is 'Elevate the Hidden Star'," said Sasha-Gaye Robinson, Link TV production manager. "Artiste Elevation should be considered one of the first steps a potiential artiste should think of if he wants to become a professional."

She said contestants would also be briefed on the inner workings of the industry.

"Representatives from the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers Limited (JCAP), artiste managers and promoters are going to be there to educate the artistes on the business side of the industry. Our aim is to let them know and understand the music business isn't about taking up a microphone and going on stage," Robinson told the Jamaica Observer via a telephone interview.

The finalists will face off at H2 Entertainment Complex in Congreve Park in Portmore, St Catherine on May 3.

The winner will receive at least one single from CR3 Records, promotion and marketing from Sashga Production and a music video from Link TV.