16 to vie for Magnum Top Performa crown

The participants in the 2023 edition of the Magnum Top Performa competition got their first chance to meet the public last Friday in Linstead, St Catherine.

The event was the first in a series of 'Road to Reggae Sumfest' roadshows that will showcase the Top Performa contestants to the public. The competition received an overwhelming number of entries, from which the 16 were chosen. Hailing from the parishes of Kingston, St Thomas, St Catherine, St Elizabeth, Hanover and St James, the artistes were excited to make their debuts.

Out of the 16 contestants, there are three women: Monifa Goss, Tricia Cunningham (Trisstar) and Kimesha Reid (Pimaz). The remaining 13 contestants are: Kevin Whyte (Yeyball Genna); Shacquille Latchman (Leejan); Raheem Webster (Ryz); Cruz Brown (1Ghang); Chassi and Chad Simms (Dynamik Twin); Shaomi Shirley (Kustiks); Tevaun Taylor (Jubba); Malik Wint (Tredan_Official); Kevaughn Baker (Likkle G); Adrian Currie (Kurry Stain); Tajmal Reid (Zapdos); and Romain Bryan (Intellect).

Kamal Powell, regional marketing manager for Magnum Tonic Wine, said the selection process was extremely difficult.

"We had double the amount of entries, which meant much more talent to choose from. However difficult it was, I can proudly say we chose the best of the best and I can't wait to see their talents unearthed," he said. This year's competition will feature one preliminary round where all 16 contestants will compete, complete with an intro, first verse, and a chorus. From this 16, only four contestants will advance to the semi-finals to be held on July 7.

The winner will walk away with $1.5 million, along with a song and music video from Chimney Records. The second-place winner will take home $1 million and a song produced by Romeich Entertainment, while third and fourth place will receive $500,000 and $450,000. In addition to this, through a partnership with Reggae Sumfest, the 2023 Top Performa will perform at Reggae Sumfest on night one of the festival, on July 21.

"At Magnum, we pride ourselves on unearthing the vast dancehall talents that often go by unnoticed. We set the trend with Kings and Queens of Dancehall, and we are raising the bar with Top Performa. Magnum is a staple in the dancehall fraternity, and we are immensely proud that we can provide this opportunity for our young men and women," continued Powell.