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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Entertainment
Public voting begins online Nassau, Bahamas — The 20 semifinalists of the Ministry of Tourism’s (MOT) “Da Bahamian Ting” Song Competition have been named, and it is now up the public to vote for their favorite songs. The semifinalists were introduced to the public during the “Da Bahamian Ting” Happy Hour last Friday at Pompey Square. Hopeful semifinalists, relatives, tourists and curious onlookers flocked to the exciting event as the night drew on. A group of Bahamian dancers drew even more attention with their lively Bahamian dance moves to each new song. Sophia and Mark, a couple visiting from Texas, said they were mesmerized by the catchy music and hypnotic moves of the dancers.
The 20 semifinalists are: “Gimme My Culture” by QPID “Down Home” by Lady E “Who You Rushing For” by Lemuel Stephone Smith “Bahamian To Da Core” by Ira Storr “The Exuma Swimming Pigs” by Muzical “Gimmie Dat Dilly” by Nathaniel Bailey and Dale Knowles “Welcome To Bahamas” by Sharmond Smith “It’s Amazing” by Geno D “The Bahamian Music Festival Anthem” by Dwayne Deveaux “Das Da Bahamian Ting” by Da Family “We Bahamian Ting” by Troy Gray “Better” by Ian McQuay “In The Bahamas” by Joseph Cartwright “Junkanoo Move” by Warrenique Munnings “Let’s Go To The Islands” by Kenneth Sweeting and The Bahamian Spice Band “Wave It” by Colyn McDonald “Miss Me” by Ashton McQuay “You Make Me Feel Good” by Edison Rolle “You and I” by Bodine Johnson “Everywhere We Go” by Lashonna Williams Members of the public can vote for their favorite songs at www.bahamas.com/dabahamianting. Arlene Nash-Ferguson, MOT Director of Culture, Heritage and Entertainment, said she is still overwhelmed by the interest in the competition. In total, 138 songs were submitted and Bahamians are excited about the voting process. “It is such a rejuvenating experience to have all of this new Bahamian music at one time. It really was a moment when the contestants walked in to Pompey Square. We are honored to celebrate them and expand Bahamian music,” said Nash-Ferguson following the Happy Hour.
The 20 semifinalists will then be narrowed down to 10 in the coming weeks. The semifinalists will appear on various shows to promote their songs too. The winner will be announced at Montagu beach on April 21 in a grand celebration. Lead judge for the song competition, Sir Charles Carter, said he was excited to hear so many new Bahamian songs. Carter said the judges were looking for original and creative material. “The songs were terrific. I’ve been doing this for 40 years and what I liked about it was trying to pick up on new trends, trying to see who was going to be innovative in his/her music and who is using his/her prose to really make The Bahamas or set The Bahamas in the way they really want to,” Sir Charles said. The winner of the “Da Bahamian Ting” Song Competition will receive $25,000 with second place taking $20,000, third place $15,000, fourth place $10,000 and fifth through 10th $1,000 each.
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