Nagra Plunkett, Star Writer

Kahlil performs at 'Kahlil Wednesdays' which was held at The Brewery in Montego Bay last Wednesday. - Denise Reid phot

WESTERN BUREAU

Digicel Rising Stars contestant Kahlil has leveraged the support of former Rising Stars and the Montego Bay voting public to ensure their victory in the talent show.

They have done this with the launch last week of Kahlil Wednesdays, a party being held to raise funds to buy votes for the five-member boy band.

Votes that count

"We know that votes are important. It doesn't matter how popular the public may think you are, it's the votes that count," said emcee Paul Brown, explaining the reasoning behind Kahlil Wednesdays.

Interestingly, other finalists competing for the top prize also turned out to the event, held at The Brewery in Montego Bay, to support the group. This year's top contenders K'Alee, SLR and Cameal all made appearances.

In addition former Digicel Rising Stars finalists, Inga Stewart and Suzanne Perkins, also appeared on the show.

Make donations

"Instead of Supligen, buy bag juice and vote with the rest of the money," Brown encouraged persons as he urged them to make donations to one of the two small boxes that were at the venue in aid of buying votes for the group.

The guests this week were last year's second-place finalist Jodian Pantry and O'neil Peart who was also a top ten finalist in last year's competition, along with Kahlil. Last year's winner Romain Virgo, who was also slated to perform, had to cancel.

Pantry gave it her best shot, and won favour with the men after serenading an eager fan. She reminded patrons of the importance of voting and encouraged them to vote for Kahlil.

O'neil Peart surely made an impression on the ladies, along with a little help from Kadeen Wilson who sang background vocals. Before ending his stint with a single which had everyone in a 'conscious groove', he encouraged the audience to vote, earnestly saying that Kahlil deserved to win.

Although tired from their performances at a street party they had attended earlier in Flankers, St James, Kahlil did a great job of entertaining the small group.

Sitting on the small stage, group member Que told the audience that they would not be doing their usual high-energy performance.

As their melodic voices penetrated the night with John Legend's Ordinary People, it was plain to see that Kahlil is loved by Montegonians.

As they continued to sing the songs which have made them a hit on the popular show, patrons began making contributions to the two small boxes.

Kahlil ended their performance with Movin' On Up, a song made popular by the sitcom The Jeffersons, and thanked everyone for their support.

But the entertainment did not stop there as dancehall music continued to blare from the speakers and people started to dance.

Although they were a bit disappointed at the turnout, group member Que said: "We give thanks to all who came out and supported us."

Added Blaine: "We are still grateful to MoBay, MoBay still a throw them support behind Kahlil and we just want say thanks. Thanks Jamaica."

Keen on winning this competition, group member Shane said "Me no sure a who going win, but me sure who waan win."

Que then quipped, "A we me a bring," much to the amusement of the other group members.