Conceptualiser of Stages Jamaica, Carrie Mullings, is optimistic the series will live up to its mandate and unearth fresh talent.

So far, there have been two stops on the 2019 Jamaica leg — Kingston in January, and another one week ago in Ocho Rios.

“Ocho Rios is a hot spot and this is where we wanted to start our series launch — outside of Kingston, just to let everyone know that we are here,” Mullings said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

The Ocho Rios show, which took place at Margaritaville, attracted nearly 20 up-and-coming acts who performed original material.

“We’re seeing more artistes coming out for the opportunity and vying for a spot to tour Jamaica and Canada. We knew that this side of the island has a lot of talent, and those that showed up here tonight were really impressive,” said Mullings.

Among the artistes chosen to perform on the Jamaica tour in July are newcomers Ijahmar from 100 Degrees Records, Kadijah (who is signed to Very Huge Records) and Nature Ellis.

The remaining local tour dates are Ocho Rios on July 26, Negril on July 27 and Montego Bay on July 28. The five selected acts will be joined by five contestants from Stages Canada. They will head to Canada for the TOM tour.

“ TOM Tour will be going to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. We will have the artistes from Jamaica performing alongside the artistes from Canada,” Mullings shared.

Mullings and her team started Stages Canada in December 2015. Each month, the event highlights 10 artistes with a live band and “after two years and 190 acts, we decided to tour Canada.”

Mullings, whose father was a Jamaican show promoter and artiste manager Karl Mullings, added that, “We toured Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal in 2018 and we were blessed to have an artiste from Jamaica on each tour. Those artistes were Symatic, the Magnum King of Dancehall winner for 2017; and Torch.”

Mullings hosts the Rebel Vibez show, which airs on VIBE 105, Canada’s leading urban alternative radio station. She is also chairperson for the reggae committee of the Juno Awards.

“We decided to come to Jamaica because the support is needed here and the artistes are in abundance. It’s a good move because it also connects Canada and Jamaica,” she said.