SINCE the recent online launch of Digicel’s Machel Montano Music Academy, more than 150 up-and-coming singers, songwriters and producers have submitted entries to be part of what fans are calling “an amazing initiative and a great opportunity to make someone’s dreams come true.”

The Machel Montano Music Academy gives nine individuals from across the region an opportunity to be mentored and coached by the soca star and other top music industry personalities at a three-day academy, which will be hosted at GeeJam Studios in Portland from December 19 – 22. GeeJam Studios is also a sponsor of the academy.

“Sometimes all you get is one chance to live your dreams and I’m just happy to be able to give back in this way and make someone’s dream come true,” said Machel Montano.

And based on the comments on his Instagram page, it’s clear fans agree with him.

“What a fantastic idea. Wow, I love this so, so much. This is pure love, sharing his talent with the people,” said one.

Another commented: “Drops mic, Booyah!! That’s how you give back, that’s how each one teach one.”

Tari Lovell, Digicel’s group sponsorship manager, spoke glowingly of the initiative.

“This is all about leveraging our relationship with our brand ambassadors to deliver once in a lifetime opportunities to our customers. Music is a big part of our focus at Digicel and one of the biggest passions among Caribbean people, so it was a no-brainer to partner with Machel to help nurture and develop the natural, raw talent that exists in the region,” said Lovell.

To qualify, artistes are encouraged to upload videos of original songs to YouTube and submit them at www.digicelgroup.com/MusicAcademy from now until November 26, 2017. Songwriters and producers can upload lyric videos and/or songs that they’ve written or beats/rhythms they’ve produced for a chance to be among the lucky bunch of three singers, three songwriters and three producers to be selected.

The public will also be able to view the entries and vote for their favourite talent from November 27 to December 10 at www.digicelgroup.com/MusicAcademy.

Coming out of the Academy, one lucky person will also win an opportunity to perform with Machel Montano live at the 2018 staging of his Machel Monday concert in Trinidad and Tobago.