‘Sesel I Annan Talan’ singing contest |26 May 2014

Shama Damoo, Audrey Philoé grand winners

Shama Damoo and Audrey Philoé are the grand winners of the fifth Sesel I Annan Talan singing contest.

Organised by the JJ Spirit Foundation, the final of the competition took place yesterday evening at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) and was broadcast live on SBC Television.

A large enthusiastic crowd which included President James Michel, who is also patron of the foundation, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Herminie, government ministers and the chairperson of JJ Spirit Foundation Lise Bastienne had turned up for the event.

After the two-hour show, directed by famous artist Patrick Victor and hosted by TV producer Raymond Clarisse, Shama Damoo came out the winner in the 18 to 35 years age category, while Audrey Philoé won the 12 to 17 years age category. They both won R30,000 along with other prizes in kind.

Each contestant had to sing three songs, one of their choice in English and Creole and one chosen by the jury which was composed of artists Patrick Joseph, Jean- Marc Volcy, and Jany de Létourdie (Jany).

Shama Damoo had chosen to interpret ‘Lavi rezete’ originally sung by May-Cecile Lajoie, ‘Wrecking ball’ by Miley Cyrus while the jury had chosen for her ‘Give me one reason’ by Tracy Chapman, song which she performed without music.

In the case of Audrey Philoé, she sung ‘Oubliye’ by Antoinette Dodin and ‘Hallelujah’ by Alexander Burke. Turner Layton’s song ‘You’ve gone away’ was imposed on her by the jury.

Leo Hoareau came out second in the 18 to 35 years category after interpreting ‘Wake me up’ by Avicii,  ‘Mwan ek ou’ by Frank Pierre and ‘All of me’ by John Legend. He was followed in third position by Barbara Lepathy who had sung ‘Konplent paran’ by May-Cecile Lajoie, ‘Maldon’ by Zouk Machine and ‘Open arms’ by Mariah Carey. Barbara also won the public choice award in that category.

Second in the 12 to 17 category was Sheena Meriton. She had interpreted ‘Waterfall’ by American recording group TLC, ‘Zanmi’ from Michelle Marengo and ‘Why you tell me lies’ by Diana King.

In third position was Nelly Barbé who was also the voters’ favourite in this category with the following songs: Michelle Marengo’s ‘Gard ou lizye ouver’, Whitney Houston’s ‘How will I know’ and Bruno Mars’ ‘Grenade’.

The six finalists who had been accompanied by the Zenith band, all received prizes which included cash (30,000 first places, R25,000 second places and R20,000 third places), air tickets, iPads and weekends on Desroches, Silhouette and La Digue. The two grand winners will also take part in a musical show in Indonesia. The people’s choice winners pocketed R20,000.

The show also featured a dance performance by ‘Rhythm Wonders’, Amos Alexis with his own version of the song ‘Sesel o mon pei’ composed by his father Thomas and two former winners of ‘Sesei I annan Talan’ – Tania Jeremie and Jude Beaudoin.

A sketch on the values promoted by JJ Spirit Foundation which are realism, responsibility and resilience was also presented by Anisa, Richie and Neil.

Proceeds from the 2014 Sesel I Annan Talan will go towards the renovation of the Baie Ste Anne playground on Praslin.