Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Brian Schmidt (left), marketing manager of Irie FM, DJ Bones of Irie FM (centre) and Carlo Redwood, marketing manager of Red Stripe, at the launch of the Red Stripe Irie FM Big Break Competition. It was held at 56 Hope Road, St. Andrew, on Wednesday evening. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
TODAY IS the final chance for entry in the 2006 Irie FM Red Stripe Big Break competition.
Brian Schmidt, IRIE's marketing manager, reminded those gathered on the grounds of 56 Hope Road, St. Andrew, of today's 5:00 p.m. deadline as details of the contest were given on Wednesday evening.
The requirements for entry are four original songs on CD, along with an artiste biography and a photograph. Entry forms are available at the offices of X-News, the Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios offices of Irie FM, Hype TV, CVM TV and Red Stripe's offices at 214 Spanish Town Road.
Entries will be assessed by a panel of judges, with 24 finalists being selected. "There will be an elimination at a secret location on May 6, to choose a final 12," Schmidt said. The location may be secret, but the process will be made public, as a reality show will be recorded and aired on CVM as the 'Irie FM Big Break Reality Check'.
Red Stripe brand manager Carlo Redwood, in the brief function hosted by DJ Bones of Irie, said 'Big Break' "is not your average talent showcase".
JUMP-START A CAREER
"What we have here is a blueprint or road map to jump-start a career in reggae music," Redwood said, crediting the competition for "literally fashioning a career for emerging talent."
In addition to a performance slot on Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, a music video will be done for the winning artiste, as well as a professional photo shoot. There is guaranteed showing on Hype TV and CVM for two months, with rotation of the winning song getting the same time on Irie FM.
After the finalists are selected the public will select the winner, the grand finals being held in Kingston after shows at Devon House and the Village Café in the capital, as well as in Montego Bay.
"What is significant is that this is geared towards original work," Schmidt said. "We are going after people who are at a level where they just need a push. This is what distinguishes this competition," he said.
The event was wrapped up by a performance from last year's 'Big Break' winner, Prophecy, who sang "there is too little love in the world", as well as Macka Diamond and Black-er doing Bun Him and Lilly.
