When the popular Tastee Talent Trail competition ended and the judges’ votes were in, top marks for the night went to four contestants: saxophonist, Garfield Lawrence finished fourth, third place went to the only female in the final, Cydia McPherson, and Melvin Gayle sang his way to second place and $250,000 in cash.
The first grand final winner for the trail was Corporal Marvin Fishley, who was always among the favourites. He separated himself from the competition from early when he walked onto the stage, dramatically embracing his Bible and blessing the audience as he sang for the Lord with his gospel selections, Little is Much and Four Days Late.
Undeniably an unchallenged winner, Fishley was awarded the ‘grand’ cheque, valued at J$500,000, and a recording contract with Penthouse Records.
At the beginning of the night, the 10 finalists were all eager to win the grand prize. There were six singers, two deejays, a dance group, and a saxophonist who had the task of impressing the judges and gaining the support of the discriminating crowd that gathered in the Mas Camp venue in New Kingston on December 8.
The contestants each performed two acts, their audition song which got them to the final, and another of their choice.
Once called the Tastee Talent Contest, the Tastee Talent Trail might have had a new name but it was far from being a new competition. The contest, which began in 1979, continues to unveil new talent and has aided in the development of the musical careers for local stars Nadine Sutherland, Beenie Man, and King Yellowman, among others.
The trail began with four island-wide auditions in September, and held two semi-finals in October and November .The trail was presented by Tastee in partnership with Pepsi. CVM TV, b Mobile, and the Jamaica Observer were also sponsors.
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