M.E. Exposed

Just overwhelmed by the honour of gracing the Apollo stage once, I was fortunate to get to grace it a 2nd time, only 2 weeks later.  This time would be even more special.  It’s funny how I have to compete with the same song every time, but the experience always feels so different.

For those just logging on, I auditioned for Amateur Night at the Apollo.  I came 1st in Round 1 of 4 on July 6, 2011.  I competed in Round 2 on July 20, and…

The competition was clearly a lot stiffer.  Stronger singers, a dance group, some spoken word and a MJ impersonator.  Def sounds like an Apollo night.  Let’s fast-forward to me being the last person on the line up.  The Apollo is packed to its 1500 capacity.  I have about 20 supporters that I knew were coming.  Everyone else is basically a stranger.

This performance was dedicated to my home, Jamaica.  I’m announced by Capone.  I rub the tree of hope, and I prepare for my opening line as the introduction plays.  I sing ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low…”.  The mic is off.  The audience is hot, and ready to boo people home.  “BOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!”  I remain composed, but this is probably the 1st boo i’ve ever received in my life, but I stay focused.  The MC, Capone sends me off stage and tells the audience it wasn’t my fault, and asks them to calm down.  I get a second chance.  This time I’m taking no prisoners, cuz M.E. doan go out like dat! Ha.

The performance starts, the performance ends…I don’t remember what happened.  Just like the first one.  I call it the out of body experience of performing.  That is how you know it’s good.  You lose yourself in the experience and your body just does the rest.  They like it…a lot, and they make me the winner of Round 2.  I am tremendously shocked and overwhelmed.  I had only planned on placing.  Now I shall go on to the ‘Top Dog’ competition on August 31, 2011, with two first place wins (Details: http://www.apollotheater.org/amateur-night-events/details/83-amateur-night-top-dog).  If I place there, I go onto the final round, ‘Super Top Dog’ (Oct 26), to compete for some big money. 

Again I’m just really grateful to have gotten this experience, and I thank all the friends and family who have come to make the experience that much more worthwhile.  I really couldn’t do it without you guys, no lie.  Thanks. Thanks and more thanks.

Some Jamaican Support: (L-R) Hugh Douse (Director/Conductor of Nexus Performing Arts Group). Actor Karl Williams, Singer/Songwriter Mario Evon, Andrew Clarke (Actor/Singer/Director of Braata Folk Singers), and John Paul Pierre (Singer/Fashion Designer)

Check out the Facebook album:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150256740741962.331246.16497476961&type=1

Check out the performances from Round 2 and Round 1 below:

ROUND 2

ROUND 1