http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Entertainment/html/20090716T180000-0500_155555_OBS_HEINEKEN_GREEN_SYNERGY_ELIMINATIONS_HEAT_UP.asp

Heineken Green Synergy eliminations heat up

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Heineken Green Synergy eliminations continues today on FAME FM with two matchups that will be entertaining and exciting.

In the first encounter which starts at 7:00 pm, last year's quarter-0finalist DJ Jagga from Portland will be challenged by Ricky Eminence from Spanish Town. While in the second match-up at 8:00 pm, last year's semi-finalist DJ Diamond will do battle with Force Ripe from Negril.

15 of the Green Synergy finalist strike a pose with the Heineken family.

DJ Jagga has shown much improvement from last year when seen at the Port Antonio audition. He evidently has learnt from last year's experience and has a better understanding of what is required in the competition.

"I have been practising a lot, this time around I am more confident and am looking to do better," he said. Jagga is mentored by the veteran broadcaster and disc jockey Donovan Dacres who spoke highly of his charge. "I am expecting Jagga to do well. He has grown from last year and I wish him all the best.

Ricky Eminence, a selector on the Spanish Town-based sound system Bass Symphony is seen as the 'underdog' in this encounter. Eminence will be looking to make himself, his friends and family happy by upstaging the more experienced Jagga.

A past student of both Jamaica College and St Jago High, Eminence is beaming with confidence going into the play-offs.

DJ Diamond is looking to go all the way this year having done so well in last year's competition. Now working as a resident DJ at Ocho Rios Margaritaville, he is fancying his chances this time around. "I am better prepared this time, and I have learnt from last year's experience. So I am just going all out this year," he said.

First-time entrant DJ Force Ripe, a selector on the fast-rising sound Black Blunt from Negril, showed some promise when he auditioned in Montego Bay. Compared to Diamond he is more of a hardcore selector and it should be interesting to see how he handles himself in this match-up.

In the first eliminations last week Friday, Super O from Hanover came out on top in the encounter against Zaliant while DJ Shine turned back the challenge of ra** Lee in the second match-up.

DJ Shine was pleased about his victory over ra** Lee, "I am feeling good. My set was just perfect, I didn't make any mistake," he said.

He added, "I am feeling very confident and ready for the TV round to do all my tricks. As to what his fans can expect from him in the quarter-finals, "It's going to be unpredictable, it's going to be like a dice where you don't know what to expect."

Super O was also happy in making it to the quarter-finals, "I am feeling good. I started out a bit shaky because I wasn't used to the mixer but after I got familiar with it (mixer), it was just smooth sailing onwards."

Super O disclosed that reaching the quarter-finals means a lot to his career. "Right now I have more street credit as people have been walking up to me and congratulating me. It (Green Synergy) has also given me invaluable exposure. I can safely say that it is the best exposure that I have gotten in my whole career."

Not to be missed is the big Heineken Green Synergy Kick-Off Party happening on August 1, at the Sugar Man Beach in Hellshire. It will be an exciting affair with the All Stars (past Green Synergy winners) and Kurt Riley set to bring the vibes to the beach.

Remember to vote for your favourite DJ by texting or calling 444-MYDJ or 444-6935. The winner of today's match-ups will be announced on FAME FM on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 12 noon.

Heineken Green Synergy is sponsored by The Observer, Chat, Claro, Sound City and Doritos.