Last year, long after the final note faded, the reviews kept coming. Many hailed it as the concert event of the year. Now, Show the World, the annual Ronald Boo Hinkson & Friends showcase, returns with a festive twist and promises of surprise.
Show the World – It’s Christmas is set for Saturday, November 29, at the Sandals Grande Ballroom and is expected to usher in the season of good cheer with music, family and flair.
At a press briefing held recently at Export Saint Lucia’s conference room, organisers introduced the sponsors who, year after year, help bring young talent to the fore.
MacNaughton McLean, who first approached Hinkson with the idea several years ago, recalled the initial vision.
While Boo was widely known, McLean said the organisers felt he needed a little more exposure through an event of his own.
“We recognised also that he has worked with so many Saint Lucian singers, musicians and producers to develop their skills and so felt it necessary for us to create an event to showcase that side as well. That’s how Show the World was born,” McLean said.
“This year,” McLean added, “we wanted to capture that Christmas spirit and that sense of family,” though he remained tight-lipped about the surprises in store.
“Each year, people come not knowing what to expect, and they leave feeling truly satisfied. That’s what it’s all about – Show the World, it’s Christmas: great music, great vocalists, great musicians, and Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson himself.”
For Hinkson, the event is a labour of love.
“It gives me an opportunity to show Saint Lucians first-hand what I do with young people. Some of them have gone on to enjoy a measure of success they probably wouldn’t have gotten without this platform.”
At this stage in his career, Hinkson says it’s imperative to create opportunities for the next generation.
“There are a lot of young people, very talented, very good singers – I don’t know if they know how good they are until such time when they are provided with real opportunities like this. They must be supported and encouraged,” he says.
“There are so many young people, very talented, very good singers. I don’t know if they realise how good they are until they’re given real opportunities like this. They must be supported and encouraged. That is why it’s important for me to do this.”
Export Saint Lucia is the newest sponsor on board, and CEO Sunita Daniel says the partnership was a natural fit.
“What Export Saint Lucia does is show the world Saint Lucia what is authentically and excellently Saint Lucian,” she said.
Daniel noted that the agency has been showcasing creatives at international festivals, carnivals and expos, including the recent Expo Osaka.
“I remember telling the producer, ‘I want some of the people I saw at Show the World last year’. I attended that show and was blown away by the quality.”
Some of last year’s performers did make it to Expo Osaka, and Daniel hopes this year’s concert will again be a scouting ground for future international showcases.
Long-time sponsor JQ Motors is also back, and CEO Gordon Charles says their support has been consistent from the start.
“This year, we’re highlighting some of our emerging technology brands, which may be on display at the event. It’s a good marriage – emerging talent and emerging technology – and we’re looking forward to an exciting show.”
KFC, another long-standing partner, says their involvement goes beyond financial support.
“We won’t be selling chicken at the event,” said Marketing Manager Mario Marius. “Our sell is about creating a platform with the organisers and other partners. Our commitment is to continue this partnership year after year.”
Marius added that KFC’s support for Show the World ties in with their broader efforts to uplift youth, including through the National Soca Monarch and collaborations with young Saint Lucian influencers.
Domino’s Pizza echoed that sentiment.
“We support schools, we support sports, and this is just another area,” said General Manager Sannyu Clarke Isaac. “We’re really proud of Boo and how far Show the World has come.”
First National Bank’s Tishanna Jeffers also expressed pride in the partnership.
“With our Olympian and brand ambassador Julian Alfred, and Shafiqua Maloney in Saint Vincent, this was another opportunity to support Saint Lucian youth. You’ve provided us that avenue, and we’re very pleased to be part of it.”
Organisers revealed that one of this year’s highlights will be performances by members of the same family, adding a heartwarming touch to a world-class event that includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Sponsors for Show the World – It’s Christmas include exclusive sponsors KFC and JQ Motors; premium sponsors Domino’s, Export Saint Lucia and the Soufriere Development Foundation; and other sponsors including 1st National Bank, Caribbean Metals, IBS, Bank of Saint Lucia, and FICS.
