The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) yesterday officially launched its fourth season of the Cellink Jingle and Song Competition. The competition is being held under the theme “Caribbean Rhythm, Guyanese Vybz”. This year’s competition which features new and exciting additions has also seen GT&T partnering with corporate sponsors Ansa McAl Ltd, Beharry Automotive Ltd, National Communications Network (NCN), Impressions and HJTV.
Representatives of each sponsor along with the media were present at the simple ceremony where the car for the 1st prize winner was unveiled. Speaking at the ceremony, each of the representatives of the sponsors noted that their company was pleased to be a part of the competition since like GT&T they too are for the promotion of Guyanese music.
The Director of Marketing for GT&T, Wystan Robertson said that the jingle and song competition has not been given the credit it deserved. He went on to state the company has done wonders to bring to the fore the local talent of the country. Over $8M he said has been raised for this year’s competition.
This year’s competition is being hyped as “spicier”, grand affair. The first set of auditions begins on June 5 at the Roraima Duke’s Lodge, Kingston. The competition is being held throughout the country with auditions in Berbice on June 14, Essequibo on June 19 and Linden on June 21.
The initial audition will be to determine whether contestants can actually sing. Contestants will be required to perform a song of their choice. After the countrywide auditions, 25 persons will be chosen for the quarterfinals and the contest will be aired every Thursday night on NCN and HJTV.
Application forms are already out and are available at all GT&T’s business offices, Courts, Anil Singh, GT&T Authorised Cellphone Vendor at Anna Regina Market, Essequibo, Kamal 2Ks Gift Centre and Cellphone at Bartica Mall, Imran & Sons at Rosehall, Berbice and Arman at Corentyne, Berbice. The closing date for all applications is May 27.
The winner of the 2008/ 2009 Cellink Jingle and Song Competition will take home a Toyota Vios (Blue) motor car, a one-year endorsement contract with GT&T and other prizes. The second place winner will receive $500,000 and the third place winner will receive $250,000. All winners will receive an Apple IPOD Touch and a cellphone.
Judges selected for the competition are Sean Bhola, Oliver Basdeo and Cheryl Maloney. The judges’ score will account for 60% of the marks and the public 40%. The contest concludes with a grand finale featuring several of Guyana’s top local artistes.
