Arouca songbird Nisha wins ‘Mastana’

She won the AV Drilling and Workover prize of $400. Also in winners row was the talented Nirmala Ramkhelawan who placed second. Amit Dookhan of El Dorado secured his place in the semi-final when he took the third place. And Kala Sangam Dance Group of Longdonville took the fourth position. Sumintra Jaggernath won the People’s Choice prize and will return for the semi-final competition.

While Shammi Gangaram did not place in this preliminary show, he had the crowds cheering him on when he did a local composition entitled, “On the Road to Germany.” This was a tribute to the Soca Warriors as they battle with other countries at the football World Cup.

Hundreds of performers who secured spots in the semi-final programme turned up for a meeting at the Atlantic Plaza on Sunday last. Producer of the show, Khayal Mohammed told the artistes that culture is on the rise and he is happy that Mastana can be the vehicle that is now moving the talent from one level to the next in Trinidad and Tobago.

“There are thousands of young people in the various villages in this country with a performing talent. Mastana had a first hand view of this, through the auditions,” he said. He noted that more and more people are now turning to East Indian music and culture in TT and it is very encouraging for him as the producer of the long running series.

Meanwhile, the following contestants have been selected to perform in the final preliminary contest of Mastana Bahar: Jaleel Ali, Param Maraj, Cristal Manan, Neval Chatelal, Caparo Village Council Dancers, Dhanmatie Beharry, Shalini Gopaul, Hannah Gooptar, Allis Ramdass and Katrina Mahabir, and Shakti Sangam Dance Troupe. These performers will meet at the Atlantic Shopping Plaza, Point Lisas at 5.30 pm on Thursday when the competition will take place.

Apart from the contest, the audience can look forward to the National Flour Mills Pick-a-Pan jackpot which is now $1,100.

Music for the contestants will be provided by the CLICO Winston Williams National Indian Orchestra.