The highly anticipated 2010 Heineken Green Synergy competition kicked off on a vibrant note with the staging of the auditions last weekend and Monday of this week.

The auditions were hosted at Beavers in Mandeville, Pier One in Montego Bay and the Quad Night Club in Kingston. Based on the remarkable talents on show, it was evident that this year's competition will be very exciting as it brought out some very skilled and enterprising DJs.

In Mandeville on Friday, it was DJ 47 who stood out above the other entrants and will certainly be making a strong bid for the Championship. Using vinyl through the 'final scratch system', DJ 47 delighted the judges, Alric and Boyd of Fame FM and the crowd on hand with some dazzling turn table skills.

Being the last DJ to play, it was really refreshing to see 47 in action. Of note, DJ Chungy who made it to the finals last year as well as quarter finalist DJ Posey, both from Mandeville, didn't enter.

In Montego Bay the following day it was the reverse of what took place in Mandeville as one of the best on show in terms of skills played first in DJ Monk.

Like DJ 47 he used vinyl (final scratch) and turned up the heat at Pier One with some creative mixes and eye catching turn table skills.

Other DJs who impressed on the day included Margaritaville's DJ Yaro, a protégé of former winner DJ Nikko of Fame FM. In his second years as a DJ it was amazing the level of skills he displayed compared to others who have been in the business much for much longer.

DJ Yaro's mixing skills were impeccable and he played a very entertaining set. His Margaritaville co- worker DJ Blue was also impressive. Entering for the second time DJ Blue seemed more focussed and better prepared and did enough to impress the judges.

Also entering from the Mobay leg were last year's quarter finalist DJ Force Ripe of Hanover and the exciting **** Lee of St Ann, both of whom did well.

Kingston drew the biggest turn-out for the auditions. Last year's semi-finalist DJ Naz turned out in top form and gave a very entertaining set. Once again carrying the tag as the lone female in the competition, Naz will certainly be looking to go all the way this time.

Last year's entrant Ricky Eminence who made it to the radio round also did well. Ricky seemed a more composed and experienced DJ this season.

The format for the 2010 Heineken Green Synergy competition has changed with this year set to be more interesting. It will be a reality TV show which will be aired on TVJ.

"This year will be very exciting where the competitors will live and experience the life of a DJ. We will also have an international acclaimed guest judge which will add tremendously to this year's competition," Heineken's brand manager Keri-Ann McKenzie disclosed.

Co-sponsors for the 2010 Heineken Green Synergy competition are Claro, TVJ, FAME FM, Jamaica Observer, Chat! and Doritos

source: OBSERVER