AFTER MAKING HIS MARK on the open mic segment at Mahalia’s Corner, to being featured as a spotlight artiste last year, come Sunday, Joaquin will be the featured artiste.
For any upcoming artiste, getting the first taste at performing live is vital and for another year, the Nexworld Production event will offer them that shot. And that’s what the show is all about.
Lead singer of the band 2 Mile Hill, formerly NeXcyx, Mahalia Cummins said that such platforms are needed.
“I think it is unbelievably necessary and I am very glad we have the chance to highlight other people. Because I learned what it was like to sing in front of an audience at an open mic segment, so whether it’s Mahalia’s Corner or not I am glad we get to do this every year,” she said.
On Wednesday the group which consists of Mahalia, Andre Clarke, Kris Clarke, Russell Padmore and Chadd Ifill, visited THE NATION to promote the show and their EP Uncovered, which they are set to perform live in a few days.
This year the show will be held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre which happens to be located in Two Mile Hill.
Band keyboardist Andre Clarke said that Jamaicans were extremely good at propelling their artistes internationally and said why not Barbados: “I don’t see any reason why we can’t push someone from Barbados instead of having to go to America first or Britain,” he said.
“Instead of just waiting for an artiste to blow up or until they get a Grammy and get to superstar level . . . we should try to get them when they are here.”
Bass guitarist Kris Clarke said that the Mahalia’s Corner stage gave those who attended a chance to network. “It’s that kind of atmosphere where artistes interact with each other.
“They meet up with other artistes and network and collaborate, so a lot of groups that are out there can make those positive links with producers,” he said.
Over the next month patrons can expect to hear from artistes such as Marvay, Buggy Nhakente, Lil Rick and Red Plastic Bag.
