By Tyrone Reid, Staff ReporterCRAIG BARRETT a.k.a. Devon Black or Blacka Devon (any one you please) was second to none at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's 2002 Popular Song Contest as he got first place and a whopping $100,000 on Saturday night at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
Thirty-year-old Black's entry, Progress was among a handful of songs that really ignited the crowd. The writer of the winning song, Derrick Morgan, also got $100,000 as well. Also sharing in the purse were the producers Clyde McKenzie and Patrick Roberts, who got $50,000 each.
The first place winner was the second contestant in the line-up to present his original entry, but was the first to really create any fanfare in the audience.
Devon came on-stage in a shiny purple-looking suit, and was accompanied by four dancing girls who were all decked in white and had Jamaican flags in their hands. They did all the latest dance moves and Blacka Devon was not to be outdone as he danced and pranced all over the stage as he told of the progress that Jamaica has experienced throughout our 40 years as an independent nation.
"Four TV station, 12 radio station, telephone fi everyone," were among the forward movements that the song paid tribute to. He also said "Jamal killing illiteracy, reggae music win Grammy .... A who seh we couldn't do it, 40 years of solid progress". The catchy song and energetic performance by Black and his dancers struck a chord of excitement within the many patrons that turned out at the venue.
The second place winner and collector of $60,000 apiece for being both the performer and songwriter, Chester McCreath with his entry Jam Summer could have also have finished atop the pile, as he also gave a very good performance. The producer for Jam Summer, Marcia Simpson, took home $30,000.
Judging by the crowd's reaction, 44-year-old Chester seemed to be the crowd favourite, as he and his three dancers had the audience standing, dancing and waving their hands in salute.
The top three spots were signed and sealed by Narda Malcolm, who took home a total of $80,000 for being the performer and writer of her original entry, Proud Jamaican. Gussie Clarke received $20,000 for his role as producer of the song.
Ms. Malcolm came to the stage in the national costume and a broad hat which worked up a few whistles from those present. Her song encouraged Jamaicans to be proud of their nationality and not to give it up for any other country. That statement went over well with those present.
With her song, she also encouraged the young men of the nation to 'puddung di knife and puddung di gun and come mek wi walk Jamaican, talk Jamaican..."
Other entries that struck a chord with audience but unfortunately were not named among the top three were Can't Live Free by Lala Ranks, which generated a wave of support from the audience. The other much appreciated entry came from the sisters of Different Shades with their entry, Fi Mi Paradise. The sisters gave a solid performance, which was obviously well received by the large audience, judging by the warm round of applause they received during and at the end of their stint.
