Past Magnum stars give green light for Top Performa

Following the return of Magnum Top Performa 2023 last Thursday, previous winners of the competition, King Calie and Prince Saj are encouraging younger artistes to enter the contest. Having come out on top in the competition in 2021, they both have received exposure from the show and have experienced growth in their respective careers.

The 2021 Magnum Top Performa winner, Dwight Gutzmer, more popularly known as ‘King Calie’, stated that although the path to winning was challenging, the results are even more remarkable.

“The competition is a hard road to travel, but it has yielded great results thus far and I think it was the most accurate addition to my resume for where I currently am where development is concerned. I encourage persons to join, it’s a journey anyone serious about music in this space needs to take. It’s akin to final exams in a university setting,” he explained.

First runner-up, Saja Smith, known as Prince Saj, had entered the competition as a gospel performer and stirred a little controversy online. But his intention was clear, as through his songs he led others to Christ. The gospel act is encouraging other gospel artistes to enter the competition to spread the word of God.

“I would love to see other gospel artistes utilise the Magnum Top Performa platform to share the word of God. The Top Performa competition is a very influential competition that will allow you to get recognised by many individuals, not just in Jamaica, but overseas as well,” he shared.

Since winning the Top Performa title, King Calie has released several singles with the most recent being Stikin Note. He has also started a business venture with a few colleagues called Serenity Park Reggae JA and is working on new songs which could include collaborations with veteran artistes.

Prince Saj has gone on to win an award for Breakout Sensation of the Year at the 2022 Sterling Gospel Music Awards. He has also received several bookings and is currently promoting his latest song titled The Message.

Currently, entries for the Magnum Top Performa competition are still ongoing and interested participants, 18 years or older, are invited to visit magnumhub.tv/topperforma, download the Top Performa Riddim, record a 30-second freestyling video mentioning “Magnum Anytime, Anyweh”, upload the video, complete the accompanying entry form and submit.

Entries must be free from profanities, gun violence and explicit language. Entries close on May 3, 2023, at midnight.

The winner of the competition walks away with a cash prize of $1.5 million, the Top Performa title and trophy, a single produced by Chimney Records and a music video. The winner will perform at Reggae Sumfest 2023. The first runner-up wins $1 million, a trophy and a song produced by Romeich Entertainment. The second runner-up wins $500, 000 and a trophy; and the third runner-up wins $250,000.