GUYANA Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T), again with glitz and fanfare, hosted the semi-final of the 2009 Jingle and Song Competition at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston, Georgetown, last Sunday.

The auditorium was packed when 15 semi-finalists staged an utterly electric show but the results will not be known until voting for the contestants ends midnight on July 16, after which 10 would go through to the final at the same venue on July 17.

From amongst the 10 finalists, the line-up will be chosen for the grand finale on July 26.

Those who organised the Sunday event must be commended for their efforts as GT&T staff members took up ushering and other roles to achieve the successful showing.

On stage, there were spectacular performances by Carlvin Burnette, Quacy Coates, Pheona Da Silva, Raoule Samuels and Malika Boyd.

Anece Hicks was a scene stealer but others were also applauded for what they did, Kwasi Cox for his musical drama and Ashford Ward for his powerful vocal and natural melody.

Several more in the contest improved their stage presentations, signalling their intention to battle to the end for the prizes.

However, a few fell short of the mark and were either unimpressive, weak, or lacked the onstage fire to attract the judges’ attention.

That the programme offered much excitement and gratification to those in attendance was evident from the satisfied smiles on their faces at the conclusion.

The sponsors, this year, were Ansa McAl, Beharry Automotive, National Communications Network (NCN), Impressions, HJTV, Caribbean Airlines and Wireless Connection, under the theme ‘Caribbean Rhythm, Guyanese Vybz’.

Tickets for the other shows can be obtained at HJTV Studio, on Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, GT&T in Brickdam and the Theatre Guild Playhouse.

The first prize winner of the competition will get a Toyota VIOS (Blue) motor car, a one-year endorsement contract with GT&T, the complimentary recording of a single, an Apple Ipod Touch, a Samsung Bluetooth headset and a cellular phone.

The second place winner gets $500,000, a one-year endorsement contract with GT&T, an Apple Ipod Touch, a return trip to Jamaica and a cellular phone, while the person in third place will receive $250, 000, a return trip to Trinidad, an Apple Ipod Touch and cellular phone.