As the second staging of the Magnum Top Performa series winds down, participants have given the platform the thumbs up for helping to shape their music career.

The elimination takes place this Friday, July 7, and the top four of 16 contestants will be announced.

The Jamaica Observer caught up with Ryz, Monifa and Jubba, each of whom shared that they were happy with the experience thus far.

“My reason for entering was to gain valuable exposure and to make some serious connections with the higher-ups to better position myself for a deal down the road. The experience has been wonderful; mi glad say me deh here pon di show. The contestant dem a some real youths wid a nice vibe. The crew dem a mi G, plus di crowd love me, so is a great look,” said Portmore-based Jubba.

He shared how he has benefited from the Magnum Top Performa platform.

“Mi get some well-needed publicity and make some game-changing links weh if di ting dem plug up right, miah rich, too, and dem ago richer,” said Jubba, who is in his early twenties and has been pursuing music since high school.

“Jubba brings a lot to the musical table. Mi have an above average talent fi put words together, plus me have some a di sickest punchlines people will ever hear. If mi get di break di musical chair game ago done quicker,” he said confidently.

Seven years ago, singer Monifa entered the Digicel Rising Stars competition. She has decided to try her luck in Magnum Top Performa.

“I entered Magnum Top Performa because I knew I needed a fresh start, especially with rebranding myself as an artiste and not just an singer. I must say losing my mommy, Jean Simmonds-Oliver, about three months ago has also pushed me out of my fears, and I’m more open to exploring the journeys that come whilst I am transforming my dreams to my reality. I know Magnum can help me in achieving this,” Monifa reasoned.

She spoke about her journey in the competition.

“It’s exciting! I’m happy I was chosen to have this experience with Magnum. I plan to do my very best and make my mama proud! I must say that being in this competition has made me feel alive again. I think I’m benefiting in a way that’s not tangible, because this is definitely out of my comfort zone. I’m always singing, but now I’ve gotten a chance to explore and showcase another side to Monifa, which is “Gossy”. I’d describe Gossy as the ‘threat’ and being able to get her out my house and on stage is something I’m extremely excited about. Another way I’ve benefited is from exposure. Nothing is better than having more people know your name and image as an artiste,” Monifa disclosed.

She continued, “I think the prizes make a lot of sense and it can definitely give a helping hand to the contestants who receive them. Especially for the first-place winner (me). Gracing Sumfest’s stage and singing original songs is definitely a big deal for a young [up-and-coming] artiste. It’s simply a beautiful highlight. I hope to achieve the title Magnum Top Performa winner for 2023.”

Ryz, who is from Seaview Gardens but also grew up in Clarendon, said the recent passing of his father has given him the drive to push harder at his musical career.

“I decided to join the competition because I want to win, so I can definitely step up my life, and this can lead to the betterment of the lives of those who are dear to me. My dad passed away while I was in the studio, and this also gave me the drive to continue. I have a lot of siblings, so I have to go hard as the older brother,” said Ryz, whose real name is Raheem Webster.

Said Ryz: “Being in the competition has been a learning experience. While campaigning I’ve met people who are fans of my music. Just being around the other artistes and everybody on the crew, overall, it has been nothing but good vibes.”

Last month, the first Magnum Top Performa Road Show took place in Linstead, where all 16 contestants performed before a huge crowd.

“We are very culture-oriented here at Magnum. Our competitions have always been about exposing talents that are frequently overlooked. We have seen where our talent competitions have taken artistes from the street and catapulted them into the spotlight, placing them on platforms they’ve never been on before” explained Kamal Powell, regional marketing manager, Magnum Tonic Wine.

The July 7 road show, which takes place at Romeich HQ, will feature a performance by Magnum’s newest brand ambassador, Laa Lee. Bishop Escobar will, once more, leads as host, with Shukkle Bus and DJ Deva Kidd holding down the fort as the vibe masters.

The series of road shows marks Magnum’s lead-up to Reggae Sumfest. In partnership with the official drink of dancehall, the winner of the competition will make his/her début on the Reggae Sumfest stage. In addition to the Sumfest début, the winner of the 2023 Top Performa will get the opportunity to work with Chimney Records on a song, amongst other prizes and surprises.

Said Powell: “We are happy with this partnership. We are even more grateful for the fact that whoever comes out on top will immediately be given the opportunity to take his/her career to the next level. It is refreshing to see the support that the Top Performas have received, and even more so to see the calibre of partnerships we’ve secured that will help to push the artistes out there.”