Shalina Samuel is the Dominican representative at the 2015 edition of Caribbean Voices contest to be held in Fort-de-France Martinique on the 24th of October. Twenty-three-year old Samuel is a graduate of St. Martin’s Secondary School and has been in music and entertainment since 2009, having performed with the 911 Band, Outta Band, 3expression Band, Fanatik and Swinging Stars.
She is currently one of two lead singers of Ti-Orkest a band formed in 2010 that has been making waves on the local scene. She is definitely not a newcomer to the stage having been a participant in the Carnival queen pageant, but her passion is singing and she is looking forward to representing Dominica tom the best of her ability.
As in previous years the participants at the Martinique event are expected to sing two songs evocative of the musical style (s) of their countries; the first number must not exceed 80 beats per minute and the second song should be less than 120 beats per minute in tempo. The competition, as the name suggests, is not a song contest, but a singing and performance event so there are no points for lyrics and/or melody and the performers are free to choose songs already presented by other performers. Samuel has chosen to sing one number written and performed by Michele Henderson and one written by Vernandra Christian a member of her band, T-Orkest.
Samuel will come up against representatives from 11 other Caribbean countries at the Atrium Cultural Complex in Fort-de-France to compete for the Jeff Joseph Trophy named in honour of one of Dominica’s musical icons who passed away in 2011.
In addition to the prestigious trophy the winner will receive a cash prize of US$5,000, the second place US$1,500 and the third place US$1,000. Other participants will receive US$250 each.
The competitors will be accompanied by a professional orchestra led by Guy-Marc VADELEUX of Martinique and will be filmed in High Definition by a crew from France Television under the direction of Joslyn VAUTOR one of the top Television directors in Martinique and France. The television production will be distributed in 153 countries primarily in the Caribbean, Europe and Africa and will give the participating countries and the artists very high visibility.
Dominica’s representative at last year’s event was the versatile, Daryl BOBB, who placed third but Samuel is confident that she will bring the Trophy to its rightful home this year.
In contrast to the previous editions of the contest this year will feature only female competitors who will be dressed for the occasion by one of Martinique’s top couturiers. Each participant will be asked to say something about a famous female from her country involved the arts.
Samuel will give her impressions of OPHELIA, who is also specially invited to sing “Aie Dominique” in memory of the impact of Tropical storm ERIKA on her homeland.
Samuel’s participation has been coordinated by the Association of Music Professionals with the assistance of the Discover Dominica Authority.
YOU GO GIRRRRLLL !! SHE WILL DO A PERFECT JOB, SHALINA HAS AN AMAZING VOICE
We the Samuel family are very proud of you and wish you success. Girl jump and touch the stars.
She looks good
U can do it !! Go girl happy to see that WP
Best of luck Shalina and I am proud of you. From you former teacher Ms. Blaize.
Sorry, but I really thought this was a photo taken by the Garrison. All the best
It seems u were taken from the same place! U just cudn’t be fully positive eh….had to say something nasty before something good! smhhhhhhhhhhhh
Don\’t take these comments to serious. I just surprise so many peoples knows about the Garrison. A seductive photo taken in the night, holding unto a poll with mid section exposed. Maybe a different photo should have been used. This is a music event not a model contest. Like it or not, she\’s a beautiful lady.
Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo SHALINA!!!!!
Best of luck dear! Sounds a like an awesome competition.