The Tribune

By FARAH
Tribune Features Reporter

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH 242 Untapped wrapped up on Sunday, fans will have to wait until next year to find out who won the competition when the reality show airs on television.
242 Untapped is a spin off-of BET’s Sunday Best, with the intended goal of searching for the most talented gospel artists the Bahamas has to offer.

The competition sought to link industry professionals with aspiring gospels artists.
Throughout the first season of 242 Untapped, which airs in January 2013 on Cable 12, participants were provided with the necessary tools and resources to achieve their goals. They were also mentored by industry greats like Lavard “Manifest” Parks, CEO of the Dunamas Soundz Music Group, and Kevin “Minister K” Harris, president of the Marlin Award.

They were given tips on how the industry works, on how to be not just a “good” artist, but a great one, along with advice on the dos and don’ts of the industry.
The winner of the competition received $5,000, a high quality music video and a contract with Elevation Records.
The creator of the show is Bahamian recording artist, media personality and producer Vincent “V-Mac” McDonald Jr, who told In Ya Ear that there are many talented gospel singers out there who want to pursue a career in the industry, but do not know how to go about it.

“We have some people who have talent and they were given knowledge about the industry. Some people are too ministry-minded and end up doing everything for free. You cannot be that super spiritual that you do not want to charge people; then you find yourself struggling to make it,” he said.
Since the launch of 242 Untapped, the production team along with judges Jonathan Farrington, Nadene Moss and Pastor Christopher Roberts held auditions in both Nassau and Grand Bahama. Once contestants passed the audition round they advanced to the first elimination round. In this round, contestants performed a selection before the judges who chose the top 10 to hit the main stage.

In turning 242 Untapped into a reality show, V-Mac said he and the production team aimed to tell the stories of the participants because they have “real lives, their stories are captivating, and life does not end when the cameras stop rolling”.

“The testimonies that came from all of the contestants were simply amazing. They all were challenged and inspired to take their aspirations and dreams to the next level, even if they did not win the competition. Most of the contestants that were sent home are actually working on their solo projects now,” he said.
Despite the challenges they faced while shooting the show, V-Mac said it was a fun experience for all who participated.

“It wasn’t easy. What we tried to do with the show was not just to have a competition or an ordinary show; we wanted to tell a story of each contestant. What made it an eventful and fun task was the fact that every contestant was passionate about pursuing music on a greater level, not just in their church or surrounding communities; so all of them were in it to win it, and everyone had a unique story to tell.”
Throughout the season there were also special guest appearances by some of the Bahamas’ best in gospel music.