Finalists of the Top 7 @ 7 were able to benefit this past weekend from the expertise of Producer/Music Manager with Black Entertainment Television (BET), Mr. Omar Grant (centre in grey t-shirt) when he visited the Territory in an advisory capacity. Photo: supplied

Grant met with the seven finalists collectively last Thursday, January 16, 2014, at the Moorings Marina Inn Conference Room and later had one-on-one sessions with each of the final entrants.

The seven final contestants who will face off in the Follow the Movement (FTM) hosted event are Sasha Wintz, Calden James, Marvin Bramble, Kassandra K. Malone, Rochel Lewis, Epik & Neeks and Kamyce Penn.

The talent scout explained that his role was to groom the artists so that they could be the best they could be when the finals come up in March, 2014.

He related that the artists each have a potential opportunity to perform in front of music industry executives and even ultimately be signed to major record labels.

After spending an hour with each artist and watching their performances over the weekend, Grant said he gave each of them some pointers and added that they now had some homework to do.

He was also able to observe their material and offer advice on their techniques and performance strategy. “At the end of the day, [competitors] they want to look like a star,” Grant indicated, “I’m just trying to help [them] get there and take their career from one place to the next.”

He explained that it was a tough ask and some persons often carried the misconception that because they could sing, they have what it takes to get to the top. “Sometimes it’s not just that,” he said.

The music maestro also explained that although a deal with a record label may not be the defining moment of one’s music career, it does help significantly.