(Los Angeles, CA, Monday, November 12, 2018) -- Domestic violence prevention and intervention program Jenesse Center, Inc. and its youth program Jeneration J presented the first annual Raise Your Voice 4 Peace (RYV4P) teen singing competition at the GRAMMY Museum on Saturday, November 10th.
Contestants sang the theme song "Raise Your Voice 4 Peace" written by artist and RYV4P event producer JILDYT
The event opened with the contestants performing the theme song "Raise Your Voice 4 Peace" with recording artist, producer JildyT, who wrote the song and is one of the sponsors along with Shernoff Family Foundation and Earnster.
The RYV4P panel of expert industry judges included (above l-r) Mir Harris, Time’s Up Manager, Operations and Community Engagement; Young Money Records Recording Artist, Chanel West Coast, currently also on the television shows Love & Hip Hop Hollywood and Ridiculousness; event producer and "Raise Your Voice 4 Peace" songwriter JildyT; Brody Brown, recording artist and 7x GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter and producer; Brandra Ringo, A&R, Warner/Chappell Music and Kat Tat, famed tattoo artist,VH1 reality show star, painter, entrepreneur and humanitarian.
Contestants were judged on musicianship, communication, artistry, audience appeal, marketability and overall presentation by a panel of industry experts.
The first place prize of $3,000 and an opportunity to record a professional demo was awarded to Shaylin Becton age 16 of Burbank, CA. Shaylin attends John Burroughs High School. At the age of 5, she began singing around the house and performing for family. The first time she performed was a tribute to Michael Jackson at her Grandmother’s 50th birthday party, and ever since then, she says she knew performing was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Her biggest career highlight has been performing as Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway at the age of 9. She aspires to write, produce, and perform inspiring music to change the lives of all people around the world.
All finalists were treated to swag bags with additional prizes.
RYV4P thanks its beautiful and humorous event Emcee, actress Nicole Collins HBO's "Treme" and "Twelve Years a Slave."
RYV4P was thrilled to present the dynamic seven-year-old piano prodigy, Jaidynn Tyler (pictured below) who performed a crowd-pleasing blues-inspired selection at the event on keyboards.
The Top 5 finalists were selected from dozens of contestants who submitted a video or audio recording of themselves to the Raise Your Voice 4 Peace contest, singing a song with an empowering message.
The original finalists included Anisa Washington (14, Los Angeles), NiaSimone Thompkins (15, Dallas, TX), Nayah Damasen (13, Burbank, CA), Elyse Williams (17, West Hills, CA) and Shaylin Becton (16, Burbank, CA).
Jabez Byrd (14, Los Angeles, CA) was pulled to replace Elyse Williams after she unfortunately withdrew from the competition after learning her dear friend was killed due to the Thousand Oaks shooting.
Jeneration J sends heartfelt condolences to Elyse and all families affected by the Thousand Oaks tragedy and the Woosley wildfires.
Dr. Angela Parker, Jenesse’s Director of Trainings and Programs said, “Jenesse Center is always looking for fun and innovative ways to empower youth to embrace healthier relationships,” she says. “What was so exciting about Raise Your Voice for Peace is that it not only epitomized Jenesse’s mission to ensure that the next generation understand what love is, but was an amazing opportunity for youth to showcase their amazing talent at The GRAMMY Museum, one of the premiere venues in Los Angeles. Youth are faced with violence more and more these days. We hope by providing outlets like these, the students will have a space to express themselves, be nurtured and feel safe."