Two young songstresses use creativity and originality to encourage T&T to 'Get Vaxxed!'
17-year-old Kryztanna Sharpe’s call to “Get Your Vaccine and Go Your Way” and 11-year-old Vasudha Maharaj’s appeal to “Jab Jab D’ Vaccine” landed each of them top prizes in the UN in T&T’s ‘Get Vaxxed’ song contest.
The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office ran the competition during the July/August vacation, inviting children ages 17 and under to compose original songs that encourage people to get vaccinated.
Vaccination remains the best defence against Covid-19.
Kryztanna’s impressive calypso catapulted her to the title of Best Song, while Vasudha’s imaginative chutney fused the local folklore of the Jab Jab character with the Covid-19 vaccine, winning her the title of Best Original Performer.
Caption: UN Resident Coordinator, Marina Walter (L) and Chairman of the Massy Foundation, Earl Boodasingh (L), present Vasudha with her $3,000 cash prize.
Each child had the support of willing parents who assisted the girls in writing and performing their entries. Vasudha’s entire family – mom, Indira Maharaj, sister, Vrishni Maharaj, and dad, Aneil Maharaj – supported her as backup dancers and videographer. Kryztanna’s father, Kendall Sharpe, helped her compose the lyrics and melody for her winning entry.
Caption: From left: Vasuda's father, Aneil Maharaj, her sister, Vrishni Maharaj, Vasudha and her mother, Indira Maharaj. Vrishni and Indira were backup dancers/singers in Vasudha's music video, and Vrishni also recorded an instrumental backing track by using the harmonium.
Massy Group, a valued member of the UN in T&T’s Business Roundtable, sponsored cash prizes of $3,000 for each winner to assist with education expenses.
UN Resident Coordinator, Marina Walter, and chairman of the Massy Foundation, Earl Boodasingh, distributed prizes to the winners during a brief ceremony at UN House on Chancery Lane on Monday, August 30th.
Caption: UN Resident Coordinator, Marina Walter, offers a token of appreciation on behalf of the UN in T&T to the chairman of Massy Foundation, Earl Boodasingh. Massy Group sponsored a total of $6,000 in cash prizes for the two winners.
Mrs. Walter congratulated the girls for applying their creativity and originality to the most urgent appeal of our time. She encouraged them to continue advocating in their communities for education and information about Covid-19 and the vaccine.
Mr. Boodasingh said the Massy Foundation is proud to support the two girls with their education. He praised them as “responsible role models” and urged them to continue using their influence to shape a better society.
To see Kryztanna and Vasudha's winning performances, click here: