Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
MITCHELL
AFTER A defunct ARP (singing group) left former group member Roger 'Mitch' Mitchell, out of the water, he is now trying to cash in on the million-dollar grand prize in this year's Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Popular Song Competition.
His entry is Oh My Rock, originally written for Buju Banton over ten years ago. Mr. Mitchell used to be a part of the Cell Block crew, which was also the recording studio for Buju Banton.
"People should really listen to this song and see the positive in it. I want people to get a sense of what is wrong and what is right. People must realise that they can get out of their trouble without doing something wrong," Mitchell said.
ALREADY A WINNER
He said many other artistes and preachers were trying to get the message out, but he was particularly excited that the JCDC has such an avenue to also give him that chance. It was for that reason, Mitchell said, that winning the competition was not his biggest priority. "I done win already. I have a good song and am in the top 10," he said.
He would, however, be grateful for a
victory, as he would have the opportunity of participating in the Midem Festival in France.
Mitchell was man enough to acknowledge the presence of other profound talents in this year's competition. He said he is impressed by Garfield 'Rock-I' Thomas' Land of Beauty.
He is also impressed by the shift from a festival to a popular song contest. Executive director at the JCDC, Marcia Hextall, told The Gleaner in a previous interview that the competition's current appeal was geared at furthering the careers of those who entered. She said except for a few, former festival song winners became limited to that genre.
"I think it is a good thing. Festival songs are nice, but we have to try and relate more to the times." Mitchell said. "This competition is only a stepping stone to get more exposure islandwide."
This year's contest has been narrowed down to nine contestants as Ruddy Thomas suffered a heart attack, while performing at a road show in Portland. The final show is scheduled for July 15 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road, St. Andrew.
