Magnum Kings and Queens new host, Yanique, poses with the show's executive producer, Mark Kenny.Hasani Walters photos

After being delayed for two weeks, the new venue for Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall was still not announced at the launch of the show that was held at Club Privilege, New Kingston, on Tuesday night.

"I am not telling you where it is but it is going to be bigger and better," said executive producer of the show Mark Kenny.

In January, Kenny said the new venue and host would be announced at the launch. However, the new host, Yanique, was disclosed after the postponement of the launch two weeks ago. In a subsequent interview, Kenny said the launch was delayed because the venue was not finalised.

When asked why the venue was not announced at Tuesday night's launch, Kenny said, "Because everything is new this year, we want to keep it as a surprise."

He also lauded the show as one of the biggest shows on TVJ last year, and thanked his production team and sponsors for their contribution. The show's new host was then introduced to the audience, and she took over the evening's proceedings.

Title sponsor, Magnum, was also back on board and pledged its support for another three years. "This time of year is very special for us. It is when Jamaica looks forward to the best show on Earth, Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall. We have come a far way and we have seen some great performances. It is these moments that make us want to always come back on board. We have really enjoyed the three years," said Kaysia Johnson, Magnum brand manager.

senior sponsorship

Adding, "We are committed to ensuring that Jamaica can enjoy a great show. We always give back to dancehall, we have never turned our backs. Magnum will continue for the next three years."

Digicel was also thrilled to be on board as Magnum's partner. The company's senior sponsorship manager, Shelly Ann Curran, said 'Like dancehall music, Digicel is a vibrant and expressive brand and we have been long committed to developing the incredible abundance of local talent that exists in Jamaica." The evening also saw performances from former contestants. Last year's winner did songs like Far Away and Would You Stay With Me, before Juggla took the stage doing Trade Gun Fi Gal. There was also a performance from Chozenn who did a duo with Juggla and several songs afterwards.

Tanto Blacks was ushered on with screams and shouts before a short comedic set. "Magnum a unuh mek mi a go pon tour, a unuh mek mi spectacular," he said, before going on to do songs like, Ticklish Mi and Anything Yuh Want.

The first audition will take place this Saturday at Amnesia Nite Club in Ocho Rios and on Sunday at The Wexford in Montego Bay.

On February 12, star hopefuls will get their opportunities to shine when the Magnum train visits Bargain Village Car Park, May Pen. Other auditions will be held at Club Afrodiziac, Portmore, on February 13 and Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew on February 19. All auditions will start at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

Audition shows will be aired on March 5 and 12. The live shows are scheduled to begin airing on March 19 and end on June 18.