Jamaicans from all over the island travelled to the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Sunday, July 20 to support the twenty-six talented Jamaicans eager to have their talents discovered at the National Finals of the Big Stage Competition, organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Youth and Culture.

An ecstatic and excited ‘Shauna’ which is her stage name said she plans to use her cash prize of $200.000 to assist and support her music career. Singjay Marlon McKenzie also known as Overall from St. James copped the second place award while Singer Solomon Small from St. Thomas whose stage name is Freddie Small earned the 3rd place prize.

Sectional prizes were awarded for the Best Overall Novelty Talent which was given to Sherry Dawn Brown from St. Mary for her Dub Poetry piece, winner ‘Shauna’ also received the Best Overall Singer Award, Active Immortals from St. Catherine snatched the Dance Trophy while second place winner ‘Overall’ took home the Overall Deejay Award.

The Big Stage Competition, which has evolved from the JCDC Popular Cultural Expressions/Pop and Variety Contest and Star Search competitions, put its best foot forward as a first time competition to thoroughly entertain the audience at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. The audience was entertained by an entertainment lineup including artistes Chuck Fenda and G Whizz.

The Big Stage is sponsored by SunCity Radio, IRIE FM, CVM TV, Clear Sound Production Services, Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation and Jamaica Music Society (JAMS).