We’re excited to announce the talented and creative winners of the 2020 #showyoself online talent contest! Don’t worry if you missed this year’s contest, we will return for more fresh talent in 2021!
Let’s hear it from the winners!
1st place winner Brenten HAndfield wins $1000 Graceway Supermarkets Gift Card
“When I first heard about this competition, I was instantly intrigued and wanted to become one of the contestants as well. My initial thought was to do a cover of a well known song, but after consulting with my parents, I decided to create an original piece which was uniquely me. I had this piece outlined a while back but never really sat down to finish producing it; however, since hearing about the competition, it gave me a reason to complete it. I named this piece ‘Lockdown’ due to the situation that everyone has been going through thus far; I wanted to make it relatable to everyone and give them a little groove to “bop” their heads to. I’m so grateful that God has given me this opportunity to become the first winner of #Showyoselftci. There were many astonishing and talented individuals that entered which shows how much talent TCI has to offer!”
2nd place winner DEllerise Bottex-Ancel wins $500 Graceway Supermarkets Gift Card
“We have a lot of undiscovered local talent here and I feel by entering the competition and showing my talent, it would motivate others to come forth with their unique talents.
I feel very honored to have been placed in the top ten and came in second in the entire competition.
Thank you for your support and hope everyone stays safe and productive this season.”
Joint 3rd place winnerS t’ann ma & Paula Mayhem each win $300 Graceway Supermarkets Gift Card
“Music has always been an outlet for me. During the lockdown, a few of my close friends lost loved ones. Being that we couldn’t see each other, me singing that song was my way of letting them know I feel their pain and I’m here for them. I feel honored and I’m grateful that you guys picked me. I appreciate the constructive criticism and thanks once again for the opportunity.”
“I always do my personal recordings at home and cultural events in the community. One day I decided to record and send a video to the women’s group of my church. One of my sisters from the church contacted me personally and said how much she loves my recording and enjoyed it, I had so many compliments from different sisters and other groups that I sent it to but one particular sister encouraged me to enter the IGA #showyoselftci competition. This sister continued to encourage me I decided to give it a try. I went to bed with one song on my mind then I heard a voice said to me loud and strong sing “Hand in hand with Jesus”. I said to myself I haven’t heard that song in a long long time. But the voice was so strong I had no choice but to do the song. I knew it was the voice of God. I told God that if I don’t win it will be ok because this song can be used to bless someone.
During my recording I realized that my ripsaw was left in school before the lockdown but I remember Mr David Bowen visit my school and taught the students how to use a comb to make music so I was inspired by him to use the comb!”
Enjoy the finale show with our hosts and judges giving feedback on the shortlist finalists and winner announcements.
Our amazing panel of judges!
+ Dave Mackey
Blues guitarist with LV Banks & the Soul Swingers - South Side of Chicago. Lead Guitarist with Grammy nominated T - Connection band, we were signed to TK Records and Capitol Records. Toured and performed TV Shows with the likes of The Isley Brothers, Donna Summers, Betty Wright, Bootsie Collins, The Village People, War, Chic, Cameo to name a few. With appearances on Soul Train, Top of the Pops, American Bandstand as well as other regional TV specials. Engineered, and produced many popular Bahamian artists including; Phil Stubbs, Little Joe Cartwright, Sensational 7, Gospel Youngsters, Swain, Jay Mitchell, Willie Love, T - Connection, Wilfred Solomon & The Magnetics and countless others. Currently performing in the band Uppercut 242.
+ Chloë Hopson
Chloë Hopson has studied traditional dance from around the world, including in Guinea, West Africa and at the Beijing Dance Academy.
In her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio USA, Chloë founded and directed Passport Project, a non-profit arts and diversity organization. The Passport Project Global Dance & Music Collective—a diverse group of performers and educators. The group taught and performed extensively in schools, colleges and events, including at the invitation of UNESCO in Athens, Greece.
Chloë earned a Master’s degree in dance and has studied social change through dance with the Urban Bush Women of Brooklyn, NY.
+ Obediah Wright
Internationally known Creative Director, Audelco nominated Choreographer, Master Teacher, and storyteller is a Native New Yorker and a proud Julliard Alumnist.
Credits include: Assistant Choreographer “Black Nativity”, (Fox Searchlight Pictures) The Dream at 50, (PBS)”Hair”, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream coat, MTV Made, Head Of The Class: The Lion King, (Disney/The Bravo Chanel) “Fame”, (MGM) “The Wiz” Founder/ Artistic Director Balance Dance Theatre. Fashion Week NYC, as well as several music videos and international commercials. Mr. Wright has worked with “A-list” talent such as Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Mary J Bridge, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Dionne Warwick, Debbie Allen Geoffrey Holder, and Liza Minnelli.
Instagram: @aminfodiah
What our judges will be looking for:
Here is the top 10 shortlist as chosen by your likes!
Pay Ya Bill Online!
By Dellerise Bottex-Ancel
Turks and Caicos National Anthem With a little diversity
By Apple Astwood
Covid-19 Please go away, little Riley wants to Play!
By Kinya Robinson
COVER OF Andra Day’S Rise Up
by Jessica Ramirez - Macalino
multi-layered SOLO acapella
By Paula Mayham
“Lockdown” original ARRANGEMENT by Brenten
By Tamika Handfield
Original song and rap for the time we are facing today.
By MellyMelz Walkin
COVER OF BOB DYLAN’S KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S DOOR
by Tyson