The Tribune

By Farah

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A NEW singing competition is seeking to link industry professionals with aspiring gospels artists.

242Untapped is a spin off from BET’s Sunday Best, and will search for the most talented gospel artists in the Bahamas. Those participating in the show will hear first hand from mentors and judges, already established, what is required of them to be successful in the gospel industry.

The creator of the show is Bahamian recording artist, media personality and producer Vincent “V-Mac” McDonald Jr. He told In Ya Ear there are many people who are talented and want to be a successful artist, but do not know what it really takes.

“We have some people who have talent and they will be given knowledge that about the industry. Some people are too ministry minded and end up doing everything for free. You cannot be that super spiritual you do not want to charge people. Then you find yourself struggling to make it,” said Mr McDonald.

“You have be prepared financially and mentally for this because it is not easy. You have to decide in your mind whether this is something you can see yourself doing,” he said.

V-Mac said some people do not know that when it comes to being a gospel musician, accountability comes along with the career.

“As a mainstream artist you do not have that much to live up. You could smoke weed, drink and go to wild parties. But being a gospel artist that also has to be your lifestyle because people will be watching you even more to make sure you are living what you are singing. They will look for the most simple things to criticise about, he said.

For the first season of 242 Untapped auditions will be held in Nassau and Freeport. Although auditions will only take place on two islands, the competition is open to all Bahamians.

Once contestants pass the audition round they will advance to the first elimination round. In this round contestants will perform a selection before the judges and a live audience. This part of the competition will take place in Nassau where the remaining shows will be recorded.

Contestants from the Family Islands who pass the audition round and advance through to the other rounds will be flown in to Nassau for the live weekend tapings.

Participants that make it to the live tapings will have the opportunity to meet top industry artists and professionals who will share their knowledge about the gospel music industry as well as music ministry.

As the season progresses the remaining contestants will meet and work with mentors to develop their vocal skills and define their singing style.

At the semi finals, the judges will decide on two contestants who will advance to the finals. The winner of 242Untapped will be chosen by the Bahamian public based on their performance in the finals.

The winner of the competition will receive $5000, a high quality music video, and a contract with Elevation Records.

The competition will air on television, where the life stories of the contestants will be shared with viewers.

“These people have real lives and some of their stories are captivating. Life does not end for them when the cameras stop rolling. They have a life to go back to. We are also trying to change the lives of some of these people. We are going to get deeper and deeper,” he said.

The judges for 242Untapped include praise and worship director, recording artist and vocal coach Nadine Moss, singing sensation and recording artist Jonathan Farrington, and a trail blazer in the gospel music industry Pastor Christopher Roberts.

The season premiere of 242 Untapped is the first week in October.