NCF supports Stan Home Sing-Off

The Stan Home Sing-Off Competition aims to provide a platform of exposure and growth for young artistes. The virtual singing competition, a partnership between Sluggy Dan and Quantum Productions, is sponsored by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF). 

The promoter of the weekly social media event Kevin “Sluggy Dan” Watson, who started the competition last year during the lockdown period, said he intends to use his links to push young local artists.

With 16 years experience as a member of the Royal Barbados Police Band, Sluggy has an Associate Degree in Music and diplomas from the London College of Music in voice and performance. Sluggy gives his time and energy to the cultural development of young people in many ways. He has worked on a music programme in a few primary schools, including Sharon, Holy Innocent and Westbury Primary. 

“So my thinking was how can I continue to help these young people? Sometimes a young person doesn’t need anything else but a getaway. Music is the easiest way to do it. A child may prefer to sing a song, play a drum or write music.”

Sluggy, Chief Executive Officer of New Jack Entertainment, said last year’s competition was a success; however, the numbers this year have grown.       

In 2020, there were 45 contestants, but over 100 people were interested. Sixty people have entered for 2021. The weekly winner walks away with a $500 cash prize and the competition usually draws over 800 viewers.

The promoter, who has been pushing youth in music over the past 20 years, explained that it wasn’t easy to secure backing for the venture. 

Sluggy thanks the NCF for the financial aid, which was given last year and said he looked forward to the partnership’s benefits again this year. 

“The financial help from the NCF will assist with the promotion and developmental aspect. The young Creatives will get the chance to perform with a live backing band and do rehearsals, voice and performance training techniques. Production cost for sound and visuals is extremely pricey as well. Promoting, educating and building strong foundations within our culture is a vision we hold dare. So the money will help with all of that.”

Apart from the main sponsor NCF Sluggy said he gets financial assistance from corporate Barbados as well as interested individuals.

The Finals comes off Friday, March 26 and can be viewed on IG @therealsluggydan.