15 Artists to Take the Stage in the I.C.J. Song Competition

The I.C.J. Song Competition is being held tonight inside the Civic Center. Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow says the event will see the participation of mostly new artists who will perform songs for and against the I.C.J. Belize-Guatemala referendum.  Fifteen artists will take to the stage to compete for big cash prizes and the winner will be selected by judges Ernestine Carballo, Omar Arzu and Kendoyll Simpson. Barrows tells us why his office decided to host the competition and what you can expect from tonight’s performances.

Shyne Barrow

Shyne Barrow, Music Ambassador

“The purpose behind this competition is to give a platform to all musicians across this country on this very important issue of national importance. I think it is the greatest issue that we will face in this generation. And there are many different opinions on this issue and so music is the greatest unifier and music could really express how people feel. And there are songs submitted from both sides of the spectrum, yes and no. So I think this will be an opportunity for people to be heard and also an opportunity for the Government of Belize to take heed to the concerns and then try to address those concerns through their education campaign.   I was very impressed that you have people going back to the sixteen hundreds, going back to 1859, talking about Philip Goldson, George Price and going through the gamut of history and saying yes and saying no on both ends. And then you have people who are just saying they love Belize; Guatemala lef Belize lone, dis dah fi we Belize. So I am giving everyone a chance to express their opinions. But remember this is the I.C.J. Song Competition so judges will vote based on content and substantiation. There is a substantive position for yes and for no. There is a four thousand-dollar pries—two thousand cash and two thousand for music video. So the total value for that prize is four thousand. So two thousand cash and two thousand towards a state-of-the-art video and then a thousand dollars second place and five hundred third place. And all three winners will be allowed to participate and perform at the I.C.J. Music Festival that we are having November twenty-third.”

The event is free of cost.