The Jamaica Star :: Features :: Reader's choice

The STAR readers have spoken, after little over a week of hectic voting and calling in, the readers have picked their top entertainers in a variety of areas for this year. During the voting period, THE STAR was kept busy after receiving more than nine hundred votes in most categories. The winners and runner-up picks in both categories are as follows:

Producer of the Year

- Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor (Big Ship)

Runner-Up

- DASECA Productions

Comments from some of the winners

Deejay of the year/Song of the year winner, Vybz Kartel : "It's a very elated feeling right in the festive season, its like a gift from the fans. I think it was well deserved because people saw the effort I put into music this year so it goes to show that hard work never goes unnoticed. Thanks to the STAR."

Best New Artiste, Blak Ryno: "It's an overwhelming feeling to know seh mi put out good songs weh people like and it will motivate me more to do better work in the future. I definitely love what I do and I know I have to practise to be the best of my ability."

According to Ryno, for the new year he has a number of 'realistic, street and girls songs' to be released for Exodus studios from producer, Not Nice. He also has a number of tracks to be released from Stephen McGregor.

Tarrus Riley, the male singer of the year, was also appreciative of his win: "Mi waan thank di people, a mi name Singy Singy and mi will always sing for the people. Mi a go mek more songs for dem. Mi nuh promote the foolishness, mi sing good things. Everything has been good for the year and it's only going to get better cause mi just learn to sing."

Going into the new year Riley has songs such as Human Nature, Start Anew, Love is Contagious.

Female singer of the year, Etana: "I am very grateful to all my supporters for taking me as far as they did and I hope we will continue to grow together. I really want to scream out but I have to control myself," Etana told The STAR.

She said the past year has been challenging at times but wonderful other times. As for the upcoming year, she has positive plans.

"It's just more positive and uplifting music, educating and enlightening for the youths. The work continues, it never stops."

Most popular dancer, Mystic: "I feel very happy. I am grateful to everybody who voted for me and it will push me to work harder. I know that I can do more but I am happy for the work I got throughout the year. I see myself working much harder."

Overmars from Ravers Clavers, winners of the most popular dance crew: "Mi feel great 'cause Ravers been working over the years. We are thankful for the win. Respect to all di fans weh a seh Ravers Clavers. We just glad fi di votes. It (the year) has been great 'cause we were down one time and then mi come wid 'nuh linga' and put Ravers back inna di spotlight. Fi 2009, a jus' more dancing, more party and more 'fulljoyment' fi mek di fans dem enjoy demself."

Male Deejay of the year