January 22nd 2011
Youth Fest 2k10
They Brought the Blessings
By Kendell “Scady” Eugene

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If there is one event I can count on to having a blast and at the same time witness some of the talent St. Lucia has to offer it is Youth Fest. I was impressed with the organizers from last year taking head on a heavily promoted event on the other side of the island billed for the same day. One thing I learned was that you can’t sell your product if you don’t believe in it. Youth Fest believed and they benefitted. Not only did persons come out but we saw a showing from our young stars that left many speechless and stunned. The icing on the cake was the all St. Lucian cast that closed the show.

That was last year and 2010 seemed poised to outdo last year’s offering. From as early as February I was already hearing a buzz about Youth Fest 2k10. Headlining the event would be none other than Mr. Vegas! Big move and an even bigger one came with the announcement that over $50, 000 in cash and prizes would be awarded to Youth Fest winners and performers.

The competition took a different route that year by having all contestants from the north and south audition. You could have called it a mini American Idol. The suspense, anxiety and excitement could have been seen on all the contestants’ faces as well as well wishers and supporters.

The date 19th December was set and I had the opportunity to ride the artiste bus down to Vieux Fort. The camaraderie throughout the ride was unbelievable. One would never think that these same artistes would be competing for $10 000 in cash later that day.

A total of twenty-seven young people would grace the stage with the hopes of being crowned the next Youth Star. Performances that kept the audience calling for more were delivered, artiste after artiste and by the end of the night it was clear that the judges had a very difficult job in declaring the winner.

The guest performer Mr. Vegas ignited the stage with a performance that featured many of his hits including “Tek Weh Yuhself”, “Gallis” and “Blessings” just to name a few. St. Lucian stars such as Q-Pid, Zionomi and Esteban also made up the list of guest performers.

By the end of the night, Melana Steven walked away with the Youth Star award. In the junior category, first place went to Deshawn Augustine a.k.a Denvy followed by last years winner Shan Lucien. In the teens category in first place was Michael Robinson followed by Pearletta Avril and the twenties category, Melana Steven was adjudged the winner and Olivia Abraham the runner-up.

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