File-Vybz Kartel

As the 'Digicel Rising Stars' audition tour makes its first stop in the Sunshine City, Vybz Kartel, the self-proclaimed emperor of the city, says he believes the 2008 winner will come from Portmore.

"I feel the next Rising Stars winner will come from Portmore, and Portmore's track record where artistes are concerned speaks for itself, from Professor Nuts to Blak Ryno, and everyone in between," said the prolific lyricist about the auditions coming into his hometown today.

"This move ah build the integrity of Portmore artistes because it means that instead of having to go to Kingston and other parishes, they can remain in their own municipality and compete," he continued.

musical mecca

And what, according to him, does Portmore have to offer talent wise? "To me, Portmore has evolved as a musical mecca, and this move by Digicel Rising Stars shows that Portmore is staking its claim as a leader in Jamaican dancehall and reggae music. I would be more surprised if the next Rising Star winner did not come from Portmore," Kartel said.

He also had some advice for those who will turn up today. "Bring your A game, seize the moment. Kudos to the Digicel Rising Star production team and big up Digicel from the empire."

The audition activities will take place at the Portmore HEART Academy, starting at 7:00 a.m. and continues until 3:00 p.m.

Digicel Rising Stars is open to anyone over the age of 16, who is not currently signed to a management or recording contract and is a citizen of Jamaica or has a visa entitling them to enter and work in Jamaica.

At the auditions, participants may either perform individually or in groups of up to six. Participants who are unsuccessful at one audition location have the option of auditioning at another location.

After Portmore, Rising Stars will move on to the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel in Ocho Rios on May 24 and will end in Kingston at the Young Women's Christian Association on May 31.