Twelve budding artistes participated in the Riches Karayib Voices song contest which was held at the Gros Islet Human Resource Center.
The young performers all gave a good account of themselves with presentations ranging from original pieces in song and literary prose, as well some Creole renditions.
Riches Karayib Voices – a Martinique based project was established as the medium to develop a business environment in the cultural sector within the wider Caribbean.
The initial performance was held in Martinique and the crew then moved to Saint Lucia before heading off to other regional territories. The song contest culminates later this year, and in August, the top selectees/ artists from the islands will collaborate on an album “to be featured and promoted throughout Europe, later this year.”
To sum it all up, the top three performers were recognized and presented with congratulatory or complimentary plaques, and ultimately, Don Lucien aka “Donaton “Legend” was chosen as the artiste to represent the island in Martinique.
Legend performed a Spoken Word selection, where he delivered an original selection in the form of an Inspirational-Protest song composition.
His delivery was tinged with emotion and a call for redemption from the ravages of the system.
Of the other top performers, Oshun Yan did a Creole Acapella rendition, while Shane Titus was all decked out in glitzy attire to perform a soulful lovers’ lullaby number.
Other performers at the event included Jessenia Kizan William,
Vincent London, Kurtan Malik Anthony, Akella Xavier, Steffi Ann St. Clair, IRed Etienne, Arnold “AJ” Jules, Normilous Cleon Gonzague, Zandilli Lucien, and Joanna Alexander.
Donaton, 30, hails from Soufriere and spoke to THE VOICE about his dreams and aspirations and what motivates him as an artiste, while stating unequivocally that his inspiration comes from a Higher Power.
Commenting on his preferred choice for the Spoken Word genre, he declared: “It’s in me naturally …it starts in the mind and then I let it out on paper. I believe it’s a gift from God to spread out the message to the world.”
The young artiste admits having to overcome challenges along the way. Several persons encouraged him to keep moving on in order to harness and develop his skills. Donaton has performed at various events on island, including at concerts, boat rides and other entertainment spots.