Roy Richards runs away with No. 1 song

VISUALLY CHALLENGED entrant, Roy Richards, walked away with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commiss-ion's (JCDC) Popular Song trophy for 2001.

The singer also stepped away with $100,000 and other prizes when his entry Lift Up Jamaica was declared winner by the judges at the competition.

Barry and Friends finished second, while Potential Crew, who also copped the award for best performer, finished third.

From the outset, the crowd had their favourites. But as to whether or not they would be the judges' choice was another question.

After being treated to entertainment from Unique Vision and the antics of emcee Jerry D in the early stages, the patrons got what they came to see ­ the entrants of the competition.

The well-attended event first saw these entrants doing warm-ups (songs of their choice) which helped to create a platform for a good night.

First up was Errol and the Juwse whose rendition of Bob Marley's One Love went down well with the audience.

Dannette Townsend's rendition of Al Green's God Is Standing By also had the audience rocking but it did not have as much of an impact as Roy Richards' performance.

Richards touched the stage with harmonica in hand. He quickly went into a rock 'n' roll groove. He used his harmonica to great effect. Using his nose instead of his mouth on one occasion to blow the harmonica, he had the audience jumping and screaming. When he was through, it was clear he was a favourite.

AY2 followed. Their rendition of Shaggy's Angel went well with the patrons who rocked and sang along. Baya Ford and the Link Up Family, Potential Crew and Stamma T, all gave good performances before making way for the energetic Marlons who performed their entry from last year. Time and Space also did well, performing an original song which had some Rastafarians in the audience cheering.

After warm up, it was time for the real stuff.

Errol and the Juwse were up first again. Errol, clad in a black gown with gold and green trimmings and wig, delivered Best Recipe. His dancers supported him well.

Dannette Townsend's entrance was probably the best for the night. She graced the stage in a makeshift carriage being carried by four men. She wasted no time in delivering her entry Jamaica, Land of Kings and Queens before making way for crowd favourite Roy Richards.

Richards graced the stage to cheers, screams, horns and knocking pot covers. He sang, danced, and had the audience eating out of his hands with Lift Up Jamaica. When he was finished, any other choice by the judges would have caused some debate.

AY2 followed with their well-arranged song 'Feel The Breeze'. They too proved to be a crowd favourite. They had the crowd dancing and rocking to their melodious entry.

The patrons were treated to good entertainment in the intermission with Abijah, Queen Ifrika and Tony Rebel with Swade eased the suspense as the audience waited for the announcement of the winner.

Back to Entertainment