Twenty artistes have advanced to the semi-final round of Grenada’s the National Independence Song Competition following the completion of the preliminary stage by the National Celebrations Committee (NCC).

The semi-finals are scheduled for Friday, January 16, at La Sagesse Hard Court, as part of activities leading up to Grenada’s 52nd Independence celebrations.

The artistes moving forward represent a wide mix of musical styles, experience and messages centred on national pride, unity and social reflection.

Among those advancing are Akada Lewis (Akada) with Come for Me; Andrew Phillip (Hitz) with 52 Years Old; and Anthony Etienne, known as the “Grenada Michael Jackson,” performing Mandatory. Burgess McPhie and Cheryl Vincent will compete with I Love You Still, while Cheryl Antoine (Lady Cheryl) advanced with Project 52.

Veteran and emerging performers are also featured in the semi-final line-up, including Edison Francis (Teacher Eddy) with Fly Grenada Fly; Glendon Joseph (I Am G) with My Testimony; Jason Joseph (Big J) performing Keep We Flag Flying; and Jerry Baptiste (Papa Jerry) with Grenada Nice.

Other artistes advancing include Kelly Clyne (Rootsman Kelly) with Why Not; Ken Joseph (KJ) with Connection; Leon Albert (Lion Heart) performing Doh Hide We Flag; and Raphael Johnson (Croqueta) with Support Grenada.

Ray Samuel (Soca Ray) advanced with For the Next 48, while Ryan De Riggs (Riggy Atmosphere) will perform Nutmeg Prayer. Samantha Dickson (Royalty) and Shamak Duncan (Shamak) both progressed with songs titled Sweet Grenada. Sean Niles (Sour Serpent) advanced with D.N.A, Sherrine Francis (Sherrine) with The Toast, and Teddy Christopher (Top Cat) with Independence & Change.

Finalists selected from the semi-finals will advance to the grand final on January 31.