Johnson lights up Sion Hill Song Contest

Michael Johnson, who goes by the sobriquet “Mo Juice”, won the first ever Christmas Song Contest, which formed part of the official Lighting Up Ceremony of the Sion Hill Intersection last Saturday night.{{more}}

Johnson, with his song “Christmas Again”, got the nod of judges: Earl Abbott, Maxian Harry and Aubrey Burgin, over the five other competitors.

Johnson, more known for his exploits as a sports commentator, with his self-written song, took a journey through many of the activities which take place at Christmas celebrations.

He left Sweet Sixteen in second place, with Azarah in the third spot.

The other competitors were Tracy B, Defoe and Rose Place Studios.

Prior to the Song Contest, the official ceremony heard addresses from Chairman of the Lighting Committee, Leroy Llewellyn, and Minister of Culture Hon. Rene Baptiste.

Llewellyn praised the ‘stickability’ of those who have endured the ten years, admitting that it has been a labour of love.

Baptiste urged that the season reflect that spirit of goodwill, sharing and caring for each other.

Tributes in the form of plaques of appreciation were presented to George Frederick, of British American Insurance, Bottlers St. Vincent Limited, Karib Cable, and Brian “Paper” Alexander, for the unwavering support to the lighting activities over the past ten years.

Following the turning on of the lights by Hubert Carrington, the large crowd was treated to a spectacular display of fireworks.

KLT Dancers, the Avenue Dancers, Lennox and “Rollie” Bowman, the Sion Hill Government School Drama Group, New Generation Gospel Band with Fidel Taylor, Octavia Richards, New Life Ambassadors, Sion Hill Methodist Mission and Bunny Rebel kept the crowd alive with their various presentations and renditions.

The first community to start the lighting of villages, Sion Hill captured the national lighting contest in 1999 and 2003.

Celebrating a decade of lighting, this year’s theme is “Fun, Talent and Creativity, Ten years of Lighting the Sion Hill Community”.