Horace Fisher, Star Writer

Manchester-based music production company, MOK Records, has launched its inaugural international rhythms challenge, the Holly-Holly rhythm competition.

The competition gives aspiring and enterprising artistes of all genres a medium to 'buss' and, in the process, walk away with cash, prizes and potential recording deals.

The competition, which got under way recently, will give artistes a four-month window, July to October, to submit applications for a November finalists' announcement. There will be an outside broadcast, on Best FM, in December.

A grand prize of US$2,000 awaits the winner. Second- and third-place finalists will win for themselves a 50-inch flat screen TV and Huawei smartphone, respectively.

The competition has been buzzing, according to MOK's CEO, Oral McKenzie.

"I am a music producer and philanthropist, therefore, I am giving aspiring, or even established artistes, an opportunity to make a break-through in the business and, of course, win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes,".

"It doesn't stop there. MOK Records will select 11 of the best songs from the competition, of any genre, and compile it with our artiste, Leeah, for a compilation album." McKenzie said.

He added that the Holly-Holly is a new dancehall rhythm which featured a number of artistes, including Merciless, Desi Boyd, Rising Star's top-10 finalist, Leelah, among others. He said since the competition's launch, he has received applications from local and international interests.

"It is simple process, just contact oralmckenzie@gmail.com;or by phone, 566-6596; Deejay Phil, at 776-3807; or Lou Gooden, 324-8271, for further information," McKenzie said.