Daniel Ellis, the 2007/2008 Arts and Culture Awards recipient, receives his plaque from Paula de Ronde, founder of Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc. - photo by Eddie Grant

Owen 'Blakka' Ellis' son, Daniel, is following in his father's footsteps and is already well on his way.

The 18-year-old, a second-year student at the University of Toronto in Canada, is this year's winner of the Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc. Scholarship.

The announcement and presentation were made recently at the organisation's biennial 'Christmas in the Caribbean' concert, held at the Hillcrest Christian Church in Toronto, Canada.

Daniel, originally from Jamaica, is studying theatre arts. He was one of six students who applied for the scholarship, which is open to students of Jamaican heritage enrolled in a Canadian university or college and studying either fine arts, design, literature or the performing arts.

The student, who was bitten by the acting bug at an early age, had a small part in the Jamaican movie, Third World Cop, and was the youngest member of the Cathy Levy Players, spending two years with the company. He has appeared in several television and radio commercials.

The founder of Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc., Paula de Ronde, encouraged more students to apply for the scholarship, saying it was just as important "to feed the soul as the body".

Arts and Culture Jamaica was founded to showcase Jamaica's arts and culture to both Canadians and Jamaicans, and to support Jamaican artistes.

- JIS