By Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

Dwayne Dawkins, the winner of Smirnoff Ice Press Play gets a congratulatory kiss from one of the Smirnoff Girls. - Nathaniel Stewart

The Smirnoff Ice Press Play Riddim competition came to a climax last Friday night with Dwayne Dawkins emerging winner with 1,725 votes, 216 more than the other finalist Sanjay Pennant.

Dawkins, who won $57,000, equipment and other perks excitedly said, "yow big up Kingston 11, Red Stripe, Smirnoff Ice, mi love uno competition," after the announcement.

The event saw fans and supporters turning out to cheer on the two finalists who faced off at the Chinese Benevolent Associa-tion on Old Hope Road.

Prior to the two finalists making their way into the spotlight that night, Renaissance selectors Jazzy T and Delano managed to build a 'vibe', spinning many of the latest dancehall and hip-hop tracks.

At 1 a.m., the focus was shifted to the stage where Future Fambo and hosts Left Side and Esco performed.

Finalists' chair

This made way for the finalists, who were led up the steps to an elevated chair on either side of the auditorium, both young men being flanked by Smirnoff Ice ladies.

It was now time for the real action to get started. ZJ's Liquid and Ice represented the contestants respectively on the turn-tables, as their rhythms were played and judged.

The rhythms were played in their original form, techno mix, hip-hop mix, and of course, dancehall style. Judges had a 40 per cent say in the matter, while votes and crowd response accounted for the other 60 per cent to determine who the final winner would be.

At first, it seemed like the battle was one-sided as Dawkins had been raking up all the 'forwards' for each variation of his rhythm. However, as it came down to the wire the winner was not as clear cut.

In the final analysis, even the judges seemed unsure about who they wanted to be crowned the winner, but based on the votes, the man from Waterhouse, turned out the victor.

Left Side and Esco also added to Dawkins' winning treat as they performed a couple of their popular songs like Tuck In Yuh Belly on his rhythm.