Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

( L - R ) Yabalisious, Nioma

While there were a few commendable performances, most of the contestants on Saturday's Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall had problems projecting their voices to the audience at the event that was held at Kia Motors, New Kingston.

With a slightly late start, the show kicked off with designs by Semoy Lawson and music by Doctor C.

The first contestant for the night was Fire Flames, who sounded like a mix of I-Octane and Queen Ifrica, as she sang about the 'vampires and blood suckers'. While he thought she was calm and assertive, judge Skatta said, "as the weeks go on yuh haffi go harder." Miss Kitty also thought it was a good first effort.

lacked clarity

Shampane followed with Professor Nuts liking his flow and controlled voice. Guest judge Natalie Storm seemed rather excited about his performance. "Your voice sort out and you engage the audience. Your lyrics good too and you are confident," she said.

Later, there was Tishanti, who lacked clarity and fell off the rhythm occasionally. This was noted by the judges as Natalie Storm said she could not hear some of her words and wish she had interacted more with the audience. Skatta added, "You need to work on your breathing and projection. When you hit the low notes, we don't really hear."

Sojie also had a projection problem despite his good tone and lyrics. "I wasn't hearing your clarity at intervals of the song. The chorus connect but the verse dem haffi connect too," Miss Kitty said.

Mystery Jade was another of the contestants who the audience could barely hear. Miss Kitty agreed with aspects of her song but explained she needs to learn how to 'punch' at the right times. She was followed by L.E.A.D, whose song had a kind of rap flavour. The judges loved his style and song but urged him not to be swayed by the audience.

With a very dramatic and ani-mated performance, Chrissy D Diva got major forwards from the audience and commendations from the judges."She deh pon a mission tonight. She come fi dominate and she did. Best one from night fi me," Natalie Storm said. While Skatta added, "Fi a female you come out with a natural charisma. You a di best so far."

Tactical followed with a bang, also earning major forwards from the start of his song. "Yuh ketch the rhythm right pon the beat and yuh grab my attention," Skatta said. Miss Kitty was also pleased, saying, "You tactically came out and attacked the rhythm. From yuh start mi know seh it good. Yuh never get carried away no time." She also said his lyrics, variety and flow were good.

Despite singing about women who are not taking good care of their children, Fury did not seem to hit the right spot. "Yuh nah connect, something did plug out," Miss Kitty said.

failed to work

Kurrency flowed on his beat but Natalie Storm said he failed to work both sides of the audience. Yabalisious also lacked clarity and this was noted by the judges, with Natalie Storm saying she sounded thin. Skatta, on the other hand, praised her for her effort but noted that she needed a third gear.

JR Daine was praised for his clarity and lyrics. "I am so proud of you right now. Dem did a seh something wrong wid the mic but nutten nuh wrong wid di mic, a something wrong wid di singer dem 'cause you come out and yuh punch. Best performance, mi love it," Miss Kitty said.

Dressed in leopard leggings, Nioma tried seducing the audience with her smooth voice but Miss Kitty had a problem with her inability to find the right keys. Professor Nuts said she reminded him of Tanya Stephens.

Hurricane had breathing problems while he moved energetically around the stage. Despite this, he got loud cheers from the audience and the judges seemed to like his performance.

As part of the show's closure, Natalie Storm performed one song. After that, Rasci, Fridai, Kankanard and Triple R were announced as the contestants who had been eliminated from the show.

( L - R ) Tishanti, Chrissy D Diva

( L - R ) JR Daine, Tactical

( L - R ) Sojie, Kurrency