Shelly-Ann Brown first female winner of new-look Tastee talent contest
Just as she did at the Kingston semi final last October, 19-year-old Shelly-Ann Brown stamped her class at the grand final of the 2009 Tastee Talent Trail at the Mas Camp last Saturday night.
In terms of talent, the top two were separated by a single point, however, Shelly-Ann by virtue of a strong voice and powerful presentation first on Halo and then Listen managed to take home the $500,000 cash and the Penthouse Recording contract.
In scoring 488 points Shelly-Ann became the first female winner in the new-look Tastee talent contest.
A cool and confident DJ Ray Jarrett fell behind by a single point. He took the best Original Entry award of $15,000 for his Rasta Fi Trim and Inspector pieces.
Jarrett mixed humour with a strong stage presence in coming through to pick up $250,000 for finishing second.
First up for the night was gospel singer Damion Kaisley. He placed third with 469 points after opening with Bridge Over Troubled Waters and ending with Close to You.
Other winners on the night were Camille King who got $10,000 for her close fitting white dress in the Best Dressed Female category, the male equivalent went to Rev Abdiel Brown, who interestingly ended up fourth.
This was small compensation for King who, following her MoBay effort, was seen as one of the acts to beat.
Presentations were made to Myrna Hague, widow of the late Sonny Bradshaw whose idea led to the start of the Tastee Talent Contest 30 years ago. This presentation was made by Kim Moodie on behalf of the Tastee family.
Vincent Chang CEO of Tastee Ltd was presented with a citation from Talent Trail Team for his unflagging support to unearthing Jamaican talent.
All 10 finalists were presented with phones from Lime.
The night saw sparkling guest performances by Laden, Nesbeth, Jamaica’s Michael Jackson, Marvin Fishley, Kelvin Dixon and TOK.
Copper Shot and Jam Rock disco provided jugglin’ at the after party.
Unique vision band provided the backing, host was Trecia Sparks and the judges were Chantal Hylton-Tonnes, Cazar, Amenia Blackwood-Meeks and guest judge Winford Williams.
