BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LOCAL video producer Nigel ‘Tru Capo’ Lewis was last week nationally recognised for his hard work when he was presented prizes for the Best Music Video Award at the Nevis Film Week Closing Ceremony for the Nevis Youth Movie Competition.
Lewis said he was not aware of the competition but had received a phone call asking if he was interested in submitting some of his videos.
The young producer said he took up the offer and sent five music videos he had previously done for a number of artistes. The videos are SMI’s ‘Sparkle Like A Diamond’, Nicha B’s ‘White Sheet, Kasanova’s Food All Over, Rudii and Young Prince’s ‘Me Against The World’, and Meeshack’s ‘Let It Flow’.
Surprisingly, Lewis said, he received an email the following week stating that his Nicha B’s ‘White Sheet’ music video was the overall winner.
Along with the award, he received a number of prizes including cash and a cell phone.
Lewis said this was his first competition and he felt good to have won, as it is provides him with added motivation.
The competition was launched by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Alstead Pemberton, on behalf of the Minister of Social Development, Hon. Hensley Daniel.
It was described as a positive alternative for the youths, which would enable them to explore new and creative ways by using modern technology to tap their creative talents.
Rules for the Music Video category stated that each movie should be unique and reflect the island and its people in a positive light.
The rules also stated that creativity and simple story-telling are the key to a successful and meaningful music video.
According to Abdul Karim, one the competition’s organisers, Lewis won with 37 points out of a possible 50 from a field of 11 competitors.
The judges were all internationally acclaimed film makers from Cuba, Belize and Holland.
According to Lewis, the competition has given him the opportunity for more exposure.
“The fact that the judges were internationally acclaimed gave me the opportunity to gain recognition elsewhere, because they would go back to their countries and talk about what they have seen. And they have also expressed their desire to come back and do more projects,” said Lewis.
He also indicated that winning the award has peaked his interest to submit his films into more competitions as long as the opportunity arises.
Lewis said he has a number of new projects in the making and they include some 11 music videos for various local artistes. Among them are Footsy’s ‘Gone Again’, SMI’s ‘Bout My Money’ and Piper’s ‘Broken’.
