IT’S been two days since Akeem “Short Boss” Smith was named winner of televised talent competition Digicel Rising Stars 2017, and he is still on a high.

The diminutive Portmore resident trumped central Jamaica’s Touriss to claim the title on Sunday night.

“It is such a great feeling… I feel great,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“Just going into the streets for the past two days has been different. I get treated differently now from when I was campaigning. Everybody is so warm, kind, and giving me so much love in the streets. They are looking up to me… like a role model, and I am trying hard to maintain my composure because I now realise this is all about a new game,” he continued.

For Short Boss, the road to the top of the pack was by no means smooth. He previously auditioned five times for the televised talent show before being selected this year.

“I am not the type of person to give up on what it is that I want, so I was just determined to keep at it until I was successful. If it did not happen for me this year, I would have been definitely back during the auditions next year,” he stated.

He described Sunday’s finale as being absolutely nerve-racking, silently hoping that his level of campaigning would see him through.

“Sunday night was different from all other nights. Usually I get a little nervous on the morning of the show, but last weekend I was nervous from Friday and just wanted to be by myself. I was hoping that I would win but I know it came down to the votes. I was confident in how I had planned my days in the streets and just hoping it would pay off.”

Short Boss went on to explain that his campaign strategy saw him heading out of town most days to places such as Mandeville, Spalding and Christiana. By evening, he would return to Portmore and the Corporate Area and hit some of the popular nightspots to canvass votes.

With the win behind him, Short Boss is ready to hit the studios. He would love to collaborate with local greats such as past Rising Stars winners Christopher Martin and Romain Virgo, as well as Beres Hammond, Richie Stephens and show judge Alaine. British pop sensation Adele is also on his ‘collabs’ wish list.

“It’s all about music. I am available and open to all opportunities that will advance my musical career. I have realised that I am not just here for one purpose so I want to explore all my musical sides. So whether its R&B, reggae, dancehall, rock or pop music, I am ready. Just look out for me.”