Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter
Upcoming artiste Stephanie Wallace is one of the many talents on show at Jamaica Vibes, held every Wednesday, at Weekenz.
Upon entering Weekenz on a Wednesday evening the stage is usually occupied with new, talented artistes who are trying to launch their careers through Jamaica Vibes.
"We saw a need for artiste development within the entertainment sector. We also also want to give young artiste exposure as some are still below the radar," said Shane Morris of Difamili Entertainment, which started the weekly show in 2002. Other members of Difamili Entertainment are Jesse Golding, Trevor Thompson, Alexis Figueroa, Leslie-Ann Wanliss and Rachel Cunning.
Morris says this is an avenue through which artistes can be groomed as they will be able to perform onstage. In addition, they have the opportunity to network with many industry leaders.
Change venue
Jamaica Vibes was first held at Haining Road but took a short break around 2004 as they had to change the venue. While at that location the shows were held on Monday nights. With nowhere to host the show, they were approached by the proprietors of Weekenz with whom they currently have a partnership.
At these weekly shows, seven artistes with positive content perform alongside a live band. Morris says when they have only a few performers, the artistes get a longer set and the band is not overworked.
"Our motto is 'Positivity is the key to longevity' and that encompasses what the show is all about," said Morris. He continued, "We are non-genre biased."
This is evident based on the list of persons who have performed on their stage. Among them are Dwayne Stephenson, Empress, Seretse Small, Robin Banks, Keisha Patterson, Deh Deh and Nomaddz.
While at Haining Road, Bugle, Aidonia and Erup performed on the stage before their big breaks.
However, the artiste does not perform in a competitive atmosphere. Morris says they merely exercise their talent in front of a receptive audience. They also receive guidance from members of Difamili and other long-standing members of the music industry like Frank Campbell, Stephen G and Mikey Bennett.
"We as producers also try to guide the artiste such as conducting themselves in a professional manner. One of the things we really try to push is professionality," said Morris.
In addition to the grooming they receive for the stage, they also get other opportunities like airplay for their music. Nationwide News Network has a show called 'Friday Night Live' through which some of the performers are interviewed and their music exposed.
Artiste Lil Joe in performance at Jamaica Vibes, held every Wednesday, at Weekenz. - Contributed photos