Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
Sydney 'Mankind' Francis, a finalist in the 2006 JCDC Popular Song Contest with 'Big Up Jamaica'. - CONTRIBUTED
ERIC DONALDSON deprived Sydney 'Mankind' Francis of Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Popular Song Competition title in 1993 with Big It Up.
But Mankind is trying to walk away with the coveted million-dollar prize in this year's competition. "I grew up watching the big time artistes coming up through the JCDC and realised that it is an avenue for me," Francis said.
Most of the local talent search competitions seek to give amateurs a means of displaying their talents. This has always been good news for budding stars who are short on funds. "To be honest, it's a great way to get exposure without paying for it. I don't have the money to spend or any investor to invest in me," Francis said.
This is why he, along with so many others, welcome the shift from a festival to popular song competition. It was felt that the previous format did not create real superstars but seasonal songs. "Who used to buy those songs? Nobody. You didn't have anybody who was a household name," Francis said.
His entry in this year's competition, Big Up Jamaica, brings hope for Jamaica. "All I see is chaos. People are only talking about and singing about chaos. Nobody not really coming up with a concrete solution," he said.
So what is his solution? The 200-year plan. According to Francis, Jamaica "needs a drastic change in the way we do things and we will, no doubt, be where we should be."
THE COUNTRY WILL BENEFIT
He said that while he will not be around to see the plan bear fruit, the country will benefit. The 200-year plan would include making more use of the land of sunshine, wood and water, which Jamaica prides itself on. He believes that a country that is rich in natural resources should not have to borrow from developed countries.
"We need to find a way to sell even the leaf that fall off the trees," he said. And that is the message he is trying to get across in his song. He has, so far, been receiving favourable responses that is a major boost for his confidence. He said the appeal is as a result of the uptempo, interactive arrangement of Big Up Jamaica. "I hope people will see what I see. And if they see it, I will definitely win," Francis said.
Francis said he is now working on an album and will be seeking to build on the momentum he has received from the competition.
"My song is different, since all the
others deal with depression. My song is trying to give solution for the best way out for a brighter future," Francis said.
