Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Young talent unveiled
By Aaysha Cader
‘Talent Search 2003’ will be held on November 29. Also known as the ‘Interact Grammy’s’, the annual event provides a platform for promising young performers - singers, dancers, rappers, instrumental musicians and bands.
It’s one of those ‘must-go-to’ events in every teen’s annual entertainment calendar, and it’s happening again. ‘Talent Search 2003’ will go on stage on November 29 at the Navarangahala Hall at Royal College, Colombo. Also known as the ‘Interact Grammy’s’, the annual event is co-organized for the fourth consecutive year by the Interact Clubs of Royal College and St. Bridget’s Convent.

Meeting up with a few of the 18-member committee at the semi-final round in Colombo, the enthusiasm was obvious; they seemed to be having a great time. “This is one of the major projects in the Interact calendar,” says Project Secretary Ulfath (17), adding that nothing could match this experience. The members of the committee are between the ages of 15 and 18, some of them having served in ‘TS’ in the past. “It’s been such a great experience to work together on such a big project!” says one of the younger members, obviously thrilled to be part of it.

The committee has added many innovative features to the event this year. This year too, Talent Search was open to non-Interactors, and the level of participation has been growing over the years. As part of their attempt to add variety, the semi-finals of the contest were held a few weeks ago in Kandy. “We had a pretty good turnout in Kandy,” says Javid (18) co-project chairperson from Royal College, adding that there were 75 participants and 35 performances in the hill capital.

“We realized that there were many obstacles for outstation schools to come to Colombo,” says Oshadini (16), the co-project chairperson from St. Bridget’s, “so we decided to take the contest there.” The main objective of Talent Search is to provide youth with the platform in which to present their talents beginning from school level. The contestants are all under the age of 20.

Over the years, the Interact Grammy’s have been a stepping-stone to the success of many local stars including Bathiya & Santhush and the Creators. The competition is held in categories as diverse as solo, group, rap, dance and instrumental, in addition there’s a new category for Bands, which according to Javid has attracted over 75 participants. “This year we’ve had a record number of 250 entrants,” says a beaming Javid, “and it’s the best so far!”

The grand finale will feature the winners of the rap and instrumental, three finalists each of the other categories, and three guest spots. The event is sponsored by the Academy of Business Studies, and co-sponsored by Sperrys, BrylCreem and SriLankan Airlines. The Sunday Times is the print media sponsor.

With its underlying theme of ‘Creating an opportunity for talent to unveil itself’ Talent Search 2003 certainly promises to be one of the most happening events to round up the year.

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