Staff writer - Kerran Monroe
After a lackluster Digicel Rising Stars season, many like me were anticipating the return of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall for the fifth season. In my opinion, Magnum, as it is called by many, has far surpassed the Rising Stars competition. This may be due to the fact that it is an authentic Jamaican competition.
When Jamaicans watch Magnum, they see Jamaica, they see themselves. They see something that Rising Stars lack, Jamaican-ness and original lyrics. The latter is the reason, most Rising Stars winners, do not propel into the music industry and do well following their Rising Stars hype. Of course, Romain Virgo and Christopher are the exceptions as they have been doing extremely well. Ironically, also, Laden, who was eliminated at about 6th place is doing better than most of the winners, and what do you know, Laden was always doing original lyrics on the show.
Now on to Magnum; the live studio show of season five of the competition premiered, on Saturday, January 21, 2012. Everything that people love about the show was back. The panel of judicators, which includes, the comedic Professor Nuts, the no nonsense producer, Skatta Burrell and the ‘tell it like it is,’ self proclaimed fluffy diva, Miss Kitty was ready and they all seemed excited about the task ahead. Let us not forget, the hostess from last season, who we have come to love. She calls herself the ‘curvaceous’ diva, Yanique Barnett.
As usual, there was the fashion show segment, where a designer’s line is displayed before the judges’ introduction. I must say, I enjoyed that segment, as it was not just models coming on stage and striking a pose and that’s it. It was a well choreographed segment. One can see that a lot of work and thought was put into the choreography, so big ups to the choreographer.
There are twenty four (24) contestants, making it to the live studio finals, twelve (12) males and the same number of females. The 24 is cut in half to make two castles, castle red and castle blue. The contestants from castle red performed on the first live show.
Magnum Hostess Yanique Barnett
The person, who stood out the most from castle red, is Big Pop. Persons are already comparing Big Pop to last year’s winner, Hurricane however Big Pop does not have the breathing problem which Hurricane had a hard task overcoming, last season. I was just as surprised as Miss Kitty, to see a man with a ‘one pack’ (Miss Kitty’s words) so agile and energetic. Big Pop was all over the stage before you could say “Big Pop”. Most if not everyone in the audience enjoyed this performance and so did the judges.
Overall, I have to say, the premier of the live studio finals of Magnum did tun up loud. I can’t wait for the next episode when the contestants from castle blue will show what they are made of. Let’s hope they live up to the hype which castle red has created.
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