JCA$ 1.5 million, a song, a music video, and a performance slot at Reggae Sumfest are among the main prizes to be won via the 2023 edition of the Magnum Top Performa competition.

Following its one-year hiatus, the ever-popular Magnum Top Performa competition kicked things off for the summer recently with the unveiling of the 16 contenders for this year’s title. As the season of festivities officially began, Magnum Tonic Wine embarked on its trendy ‘Road to Reggae Sumfest’ live roadshows that continue to showcase the Top Performa contestants to the public in Jamaica. The first stop of the series was at 88 King’s Street, Linstead, on June 16, 2023. It goes without saying that the competition received an overwhelming number of entries, from which the top 16 were chosen.

Hailing from the parishes of Kingston, St. Thomas, St. Catherine, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, and St. James, the artistes selected are amped up and excited to make their debuts. Out of the 16 contestants, only three are women. Notwithstanding this, Monifa Goss, Tricia Cunningham (“Trisstar”) and Kimesha Reid (“Pimaz”) are each confident that they can and will outshine their male counterparts and walk away as the 2023 Magnum Top Performa.

The remaining 13 contestants: Kevin Whyte (“Yeyball Genna”), Shacquille Latchman (“Leejan”), Raheem Webster (“Ryz”), Cruz Brown (“1Ghang”), Chassi & Chad Simms (“Dynamik Twin”), Shaomi Shirley (“Kustiks”), Tevaun Taylor (“Jubba”), Malik Wint (“Tredan_Official”), Kevaughn Baker (“Likkle G”), Adrian Currie (“Kurry Stain”), Tajmal Reid (“Zapdos”) and Romain Bryan (“Intellect”), are all fired up and ready for the lyrical battles coming up in the next few months.

Regional Marketing Manager for Magnum Tonic Wine, Kamal Powell expressed great enthusiasm in the interest shown to the competition, stating that:

“The selection process this year was extremely difficult. We had double the amount of entries, which meant so much more talent to choose from. However difficult it was, I can proudly say that we chose the best of the best and I can’t wait to see their talents unearthed.”

This year’s competition will feature one preliminary round where all 16 Performas will compete, with a live performance complete with an intro, 1st verse, and a chorus. This initial round premiered on Friday, June 16, 2023, on the Magnumhub.tv platform, as well as Magnum’s Youtube channel (youtube.com/magnumtonicwine) at 8 pm. From these 16, only 4 contestants will advance to the semi-finals to be held on July 7th.

The winner of the 2023 Magnum Top Performa will walk away with $1.5 million, along with a song and music video from Chimney Records. Whilst the second-place winner will take home $1 million and a song produced by Romeich Entertainment, with the third and fourth places receiving $500,000 and $450,000 respectively. In addition to these rewards, through a partnership with Reggae Sumfest, the Top Performa will also earn the opportunity to grace the Reggae Sumfest Stage on night 1 of the festival, scheduled for Friday, July 21, 2023.

“At Magnum, we pride ourselves on unearthing the vast dancehall talents that often go by unnoticed.” continued Powell. “We set the trend with Kings and Queens of Dancehall, and we are raising the bar with Top Performa. Magnum is a staple in the dancehall fraternity and we are immensely proud that we can provide this opportunity for our talented young men and women.”

The Magnum Top Performa Roadshow continues to visit different locations across Jamaica regularly and will feature performances from the dancing king, “Ding Dong” and will be hosted by Bishop Escobar. There will be special giveaways throughout the night for patrons to take advantage of with patrons being encouraged via their media campaigns to ‘come out early, tek charge a yuh Friday night, buy a Magnum fi only $400 and Drink responsibly’.