Peoples’ Choice Awards launched for Mashramani singing competitions
The Department of Culture, with the aim of promoting citizen inclusivity within the upcoming Calypso, Soca and Chutney monarch competitions, and providing exposure to participants, will be allowing persons to vote for their favourite artistes online.
A Department of Public Information (DPI) release noted that the approach came out of the ministry’s recognition of the need for intense promotion so that all contestants can compete on the same level, as well as recognition that citizens need to play a part in determining who the deserving participants in the competitions are.
“We are giving the participants another chance to earn something because at times the judges’ decision is final, but the view of the public has a greater liking to a different person which may not necessarily be the person who won,” Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain had explained to DPI.
“According to Boatswain, the ministry will also aim to promote newcomers and their songs to the public, as it will not only enable them to gain followers but much-needed crowd participation during their performance…She explained that those who participate are at times unknown to the public hence, the lack of crowd participation, which is a critical criterion needed, is leading to the judges’ decision,” DPI reported.
The release said that the department has already begun its Facebook polls, which will run until the day the competitions are held, with surveys being closed before the end of each to facilitate the prize giving ceremony.