- Winston Sill The quartet, Patyence, took the 'Best Dressed Female' prize at Thursday's Tastee Talent Contest.
WAYNE WILLIAMS was one of the most dramatic acts at the first semi-final of the 2001 Tastee Talent Contest held Thursday at Tastee's Outdoor Theatre, Cross Roads, Kingston.
With much cheering and hooting, the crowd had long declared Mr. Williams the winner when he assertively presented his well-crafted deejay entry, Jacket.
The judges soon granted their wish by giving the 25-year-old DJ the first place cash prize of $50,000 and an additional $10,000 for 'Most Dynamic Performer'.
Lamed by a bullet which was lodged in his back sometime ago, he performed with a crutch in one hand and had five jackets scattered across the stage to emphasise his point of not picking up 'jackets'.
The one he had on did not fit properly either.
Second place, valued at $35,000 went to 16-year-old Jermaine Johnson, a student of Pembroke Hall All Age school, Kingston, whose presentation Still A Go A School encouraged students to go to school despite the odds.
He brought tears to the eyes of emcee, Jennifer 'Jenny Jenny' Small.
Jermaine also took 'Best Original Entry' worth $15,000.
Richard Hill, an 11-year-old with a big, promising voice, was awarded third place - and got $25,000 - for his gospel number With Jesus I'll Make It.
Ten-year-old Kaydian Allen, who left the stage in tears overcome by the emotion at performing a touching original poem, Pregnancy. She had to settle for fourth place and $20,000.
Her entry was a plea for young girls to "use protection, especially the condom" to avoid teenage pregnancy.
Sectional prizes of 'Best Dressed Female/Male' went to girl quartet Patyence and duo X-ale. They both got $7,000.
Outstanding performances also came from a five-member group, New Creators and Shane Wright, who was a strong opener with Glacia Robinson's It's Not Over Now.
Five-year-old DJ Kashaine Brackenbridge was precocious and possibly talented, but stage fright overtook him and he did not complete his set.
Chantal Chin displayed a confidence that belied her six years.
ARP and Captain Barkey made a well-received impromptu appearance.
DJ Black Rat, who also 'passed through', had to be forced off the stage by the emcee. Guest artiste, Richie Wonder and Glamarus were lukewarm and offered little.
While the stage offered nothing by way of set design or other enhancement, the high quality of the entries brightened the area.
Backing band was Unique Vision; 1999 winner Desmond 'Legend' Boyd also assisted with emceeing duties.
