This past Saturday the Dome Mall played host to the Honey Jam auditions for the 2019 programme. Some of the music industry reps who made up the panel of judges included artists Mahalia, Faith Callender, Rubytech, Jabari, Leigh Phillips and Alix Cage, producers Anthony Lohar and Ritchie “Mixy” Greaves, Dancer and Choreographer Aisha Commissiong, musician Andre Clark and Paul Husbands of Selectacharts.
Standout auditionees included Krystal Browne, Amber Morano, Yahande Daniel, Anna Greenidge, Kemba Bobb-Gibson and Andreen McLean. Two guest Honey Jam Alums, Samaria King and Ashlene Rahman serenaded the audience with beautiful renditions of “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “Only You.”
First time Judge Producer Mixy, who produced Leigh Phillips album Queen was impressed: “I believe that the auditions were truly strong this year. I’ve heard more of a variety of different songs throughout the whole audition process. I attended the auditions for years even before I was a judge, I used to sit down and watch to see the talent and I believe this year I’ve seen one of the strongest years in terms of vocal abilities and song choices as well. I’m very optimistic about what they’re going to be doing in the future.”
Faith Callender, a repeat Judge and Honey Jam Alum said: “Today we had some very talented ladies coming through, a variety of genres and voices. I’m looking forward to seeing them at the show and interacting with them at the workshops and so on. It’s always great to be a part of Honey Jam.”
Sponsor Ian Donovan, Dome Mall, Massy Properties: “This is the fourth year we’ve done this and it’s always a pleasure to see how much talent we have in the island. We just have so many talented young people. It’s always a pleasure in playing a small part in helping to give people the opportunity to come forward to take that step because there are a lot of people that have the talent but don’t have the confidence. With this avenue, you have the opportunity to learn and grow, receive constructive criticism . There’s a lot of talent, I really enjoyed it. It’s such a great opportunity, you have all the artist workshops, all the things that help you if you’re serious about being an artist and it’s free!”
Audiences can expect a return of the well received segment that premiered in 2018 featuring young male artists, affectionately named “Man Jam” promised Programme Director Ebonnie Rowe who also remarked: “I was definitely impressed with the talent that I saw at the auditions of new artists and am excited to work with them this season. It’s really a great experience for young creatives to build self esteem and confidence, to receive mentoring, networking, educational and performance opportunities that we would like to continue providing. To be honest, in this economic climate it’s been very challenging to raise the funds to keep the artist development programme going and we’re appealing for support. This year marks 9 years and we look forward to celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2020!”
For artists who missed the live Honey Jam auditions, Selectacharts is giving them a chance to still be considered if they send a 1 minute video clip along with their photo and bio to selectacharts@gmail.com – deadline Tuesday, September 24, 5pm. All genres of music welcome.
