The power of cyberspace, where a popular Bajan performer wishing to see new generations of Barbadian talent harnessed and not wasted steps up and hosts a contest also worthy of a from Government!

Beat One is a recording studio formed by and Tamara Marshall, the pair have been on a quest to seek the next generation of singers who will carry forward this country’s name far and wide. The search began just six months ago and culminated at Plantation Garden Theatre in a contest which was promoted mainly via Facebook, blogging and Tweets in their personal networks…

Result? A well turned out event considering “Mainstream” advertising was limited due to a lack of Corporate Citizenship, pls each of the contestants were excellent in their own right – this is a few and far between cry in most Bajan talent shows where the deserving are just one or two, nowt the whole cadre. this speaks to the exquisite culling ability of both !

The judges who probably felt had the easier decision millennia gone by consisted of;- Barbados’ Premier Jazz Sax-Dude: ; Second Generation Songstress: Jan “Feeling Irie“ Gibson & Ex-Lead Vocalist with Spice & Co: .

Unlike other competitions where there is a single victory, and the same ay Beat One was formed by two entertainers? The victory was shared for two… Shenise Marshall and Leanne Vanessa Humphrey!

The Bajan Reporter was able to get a quick word from each, in Shenise’s case – it was easy to see why she won… She was the only performer to actually get off the stage and go in the crowd! We asked her why {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

Not happy with her first delivery, Shenise knew she had to step up her Game and so she decidesd to improvise by singing WITH and not TO the audience, her gambit paid off!

Shenise is uncertain as to if she’ll return and compete, whereas Leanne is very adamant she won’t simply because she wants to continue and advance her career further afield {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

Leanne also wants to be an actress and author as well as singing – she wants to have a book which is a story and a poem, perhaps she will have a Bajan “Song Of Hiawatha” or the next “Beowulf“?

Looking forward to next year’s contest already, but hoping Corporate Barbados can do more for Beat One, pretend they’re  or a new Wuk-Up… Are your pockets deeper yet?

The show went really crazy once the selections were over with guest jams from Nexcyx’s and , and the Plantation did not close ’til after 1:00 that morning.