Past Magnum stars give greenlight for Top Performa

Following the return of Magnum Top Performa 2023 on April 20, former competitors King Calie and Prince Saj are encouraging younger artistes to enter.

Both received exposure from the show when they entered in 2021, and have experienced growth in their respective careers. King Calie, whose given name is Dwight Gutzmer, was the champion that year, and stated that, although the path to winning was a "hard road to travel", it has yielded great results.

"I think it was the most accurate addition to my resume, for where I currently am where development is concerned. I encourage persons to join. It's a journey [that] anyone [who is] serious about music in this space needs to take. It's akin to final exams in a university setting," he explained.

Meanwhile, the first runner-up, Prince Saj, whose given name is Saja Smith, entered the competition as a gospel performer, which stirred a little controversy online. But, his intention was clear, as, through his songs, he led others to Christ. He encourages other gospel artistes to enter the competition to spread the word of God.

"I would love to see other gospel artistes utilise the Magnum Top Performa platform to share the word of God. The Top Performa competition is a very influential competition that will allow you to get recognised by many individuals, not just in Jamaica but overseas as well," he shared.

Since winning, King Calie has released several singles, with the most recent being Stinkin Note. He has also started a business venture with a few colleagues called Serenity Park Reggae JA, and is working on new songs. Prince Saj went on to win the 'Breakout Sensation of the Year' award at the 2022 Sterling Gospel Music Awards. He has also received several bookings and is currently promoting his latest song, The Message.

Currently, entries for the Magnum Top Performa competition are still ongoing, and interested participants, 18 years or older, are invited to visit magnumhub.tv/topperforma, download the 'Top Performa' rhythm, record a 30-second freestyling video mentioning the tag line 'Magnum Anytime, Anyweh', upload the video, complete the accompanying entry form, and submit. Entries must be free of profanity, gun violence and explicit language. Entries close tomorrow, May 3 at midnight.

The winner of the competition walks away with a cash prize of $1.5 million, the Top Performa title and trophy, a single produced by Chimney Records and a music video. They will also perform at Reggae Sumfest 2023. The first runner-up wins $1 million, a trophy and a song produced by Romeich Entertainment. The second runner-up wins $500, 000 and a trophy; and the third runner-up wins $250,000.