Scouting for talented young artistes

Pollard-Simon, known in the calypso world as Queenie, is the niece of veteran calypsonian The Mighty Bomber and is involved in a nationwide drive to recruit talented individuals for next year’s WCOPA.

WCOPA is an international talent competition held annually in Los Angeles, California. Competitors of every age are judged in acting, singing, dancing, modelling, playing musical instruments, and a variety of other performance skills. Participants from all over the world pay their own way to Hollywood to compete in the single largest worldwide talent search in existence.

WCOPA is the first and only international series of competitions and talent search, whose objective is to find and crown the best aspiring performing artistes in the world. The competition seeks out top performers from more 70,000 applicants from 47 countries. The competition, which has been held annually over the past 12 years, culminates in an annual televised final awards show in Hollywood.

Earlier this year, Pollard-Simon travelled to Hollywood with a contingent of talented TT nationals to compete at the annual WCOPA. Although she did not make it to the finals, she was awarded a silver medal in the World Music category for her rendition of “Delinquent Parents”, an original composition.

Pollard-Simon said: “It was the first time in the competition’s 12- year history that a calypso was performed for the panel of international judges which included some of the most powerful, influential and respected music and record company executives.

“They were all amazed and astounded by the powerful delivery. I know that there is a lot of talent in TT and I am privileged to work along with Coordinator Princes Lee Keith and Executive Scout, Daniel Seebaran. I

“ i am elated for the opportunity and the responsibility of finding actors, vocalists, dancers, instrumentalists and models to compete at next year’s world finals in Hollywood in July,” Pollard-Simon said.

This year TT was also represented at the event by musician Darnell Thomas and The Tropical Power Country Boys Tassa Group. Thomas emerged as the Grand Champion Instrumentalist of the World and Tropical Power Country Boys won gold medals in their divisions. Pollard-Simon hopes that the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs as well as corporate TT will see the importance of programmes such as the WOCPA. She said it is imperative that the Government works towards setting up a cultural fund for young entertainers.

“I made it in Hollywood because of my determination and because others believed in me and supported my dreams. I believe in the youths of this country and I know they can succeed in spite of the obstacles and challenges and I want to encourage them to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

“I am hoping that the relevant ministries will get involved to give youths the once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase their God given talents on an international stage,” she said.

Vocalists, dancers, instrumentalists, models and other interested persons with a performing talent can call 757-8692, 757-5591 or 645-4187 or visit the WOCPA website at www.world-championships.tv.