This week, the teenAGE Observer visited the exciting Edith Dalton James High School. These students produced an amazing show, filled with positive energy from beginning to end. The talents were endless and highly entertaining. After teenAGE and all our sponsors; Flow, Seprod, and AAMM had finished setting up, the show began.

The event’s hosts, Brenda Weathers, youth marketing officer at the Jamaica Observer, and teacher Mr Wyatt K C Davis announced the first performance. Team Extreme were first up with a dance piece. This trio was well prepared, as all their moves were in sync. They were followed by Brittney Daley with her dub piece entitled Ambition. From her small stature erupted a powerful voice, as she passionately performed her piece. Next on the cards was Audreanna Barber, singing her rendition of Etana’s Roots. The crowd really enjoyed her performance. After her came Ontowrn Parkinson with his original song, Extradite. He gave a stage show-like performance that was well received.

The first break in the show came with two trivia questions from the teenAGE Observer. Tanice Wright and teacher Angeline Ashman each answered a question correctly, winning prizes for themselves.

Taking the stage next was Ayana Brown with a dub piece, Mi Bredda Mi Blood. Following her was Brandy Maragh singing Adele’s One and Only. Both ladies gave great performances.

Lacy-Ann Ellis’ performance of Louise Bennett’s Kass Kass followed. She gave a very animated performance and though she stopped mid-act, she picked up with as much “gusto” as before. Back with more trivia and giveaways was the hostess. This time around Roxan Williams and Venessa Morgan won prizes.

Following that was Ashley-Ray Howell singing Lose to Win by Fantasia. Then, Tami Young was on stage doing an unconventional piece; a standard English piece entitled Mind set for success.

Romaine Ellis followed with his song Jah Protect Me which the crowd loved. Dub Expression came promptly after with a dub piece entitled The Sound Is A Sign. These ladies gave a spectacular performance that was thoroughly enjoyed.

The Shady Squad from the Ministry of National Security’s Unite for a Change campaign stopped by to “wow” the crowd with their dance moves. They gave a great performance that sent the crowd into a frenzy, with applause and screams of excitement. Afterwards, Nekeisha Burchell, communications advisor for the Ministry of National Security addressed the crowd and informed them about the campaign.

Sophia Brooks was on stage next singing her version of Try by Pink. It was a lovely performance as she had a lovely voice. Okolo Oliver followed with a very heartfelt performance, Mi No Think So, an original dub poem. The final break in the show came with the teachers’ and students’ drink-off. Jenille Shaker was victor in the teachers’ drink-off, while Tiena Morgan won for the students’ drink-off. The show continued with Sheldon Ferguson with his song Creppings. Akayla McKenzie came after him singing Adele’s Someone Like You.

Extending the programme was Trisannia Broughton. This young lady was all dressed up, and she animatedly performed her piece entitled Beggas Delight. The crowd went wild for her performance. Next was Sassy Blend singing Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston. These ladies were well coordinated in their choreography, they gave a wonderful performance. Following them was Orville Hilaire singing his song Looking Neat In My Tie. This young man represented his school well with his melodic voice. The final performance for the talent show was Rolex Skankers with their dance routine. These boys were a definite crowd favourite as cheers could be heard all throughout their performance.

Guest Artiste, Tifa, then took to the stage to entertain the crowd. During her performance the judges tallied the scores to determine the winners. After Tifa’s spectacular performance the winners were announced. In third place was Rolex Skankers and second went to Dub Expression. In first place was Trisannia Broughton. She will now move on to the finals to compete against the other winners from the various schools participating in the teenAGE Expression Tours.