May Pen MKQD finalists ready to shine

THE STAR continues its look at some of the contestants in this year's Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall.

Four finalists from May Pen will have their shot at being named dancehall royalty this season.

Tiki

Tiki was motivated to enter the music business by her deceased cousin, who believed in her and her music abilities, including her songwriting skills. The young deejay started singing and writing songs at 12 years old. Tiki captured the attention of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall when she auditioned in May Pen with the song Hardcore. The deejay notes that as a single mother with a three-year-old, this competition is an investment for her, as she's looking to break into the music market by showing her undisputed talent, which she believes will definitely bring success for her.

Tattoo

"People say I was good in school and I got a lot of encouragement from friends, but I used to dismiss it because I really wasn't convinced and was doubtful of my abilities," commented Tattoo. Tattoo says that it was after Hurricane Ivan that she decided to enter the music business. "After Ivan, I was at home with some of my friends and one of my friends wrote a song and said they needed a female to do a part. I deejayed that part and everyone looked on in amazement because I did it so well." Tattoo notes that Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall is the second talent competition that she has entered, but the first in which that she has been successful.

Bingy Linkz (check out Bingy Linkz @ (www.dubwise.ning.com)

Hailing from the Connors district outside Old Harbour, Bingy Linkz got the name 'Bingy' while still in school. Later, Linkz was added after he developed a strong liking for the entertainment of Firelinks. His friends blended the school name Bingy and the 'Links' from Firelinks and created the name Bingy Linkz. But this wasn't where the young selector and deejay developed the desire to start a career in music. He revealed: "I had this artiste friend in my community and he heard me deejaying and said that I should try to move into the dancehall sector.

"I was also told that my father used to be a deejay in the community too, so that motivated me to take it further."

Warrior

Warrior changed his name from Faith Warrior, a name with a mostly spiritual significance, to something more profound. Warrior prides himself on being a double talent who sings and deejays. However, deejaying was what got him a spot in the second round of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall. While in school, the young deejay recalls singing and deejaying with his friends. He believes his vocal skills have developed, with a unique sound like Laden, but with a deejay style similar to Tony Matterhorn. The Tastee Talent Search was the first talent show he entered a few years ago, but he never made it past the pre-judging stage. He pointed out: "I deejayed, but I believe that they were catering more to singers. after not being successful, I tried my luck at Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall."