“I had to pinch myself into believing that I actually won,” recalls Kendra Hope, winner of UWI Got Talent 2022. “I remember thinking after the host announced my name...wow, I must have something inside me that is really special to have gotten this far; placing first is a divine blessing.”
Anyone seeing the talented vocalist’s rendition of Hallelujah during the competition finale on October 1 would be understandably dazzled by her confidence and courage. Her inspired performance swept her past 15 other talented contestants to make her the winner of the annual campus event, which was produced by the Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD) and the Student Guild.
It might be a surprise to her new fans that the 21-year-old Criminal Justice student at first struggled to find the self-assurance to strive to be the winner of the talent extravaganza.
“When I saw the UGT flyer in my UWI email, right there and then, I wanted to try out for it,” she recalls. “I was still uncertain. I thought I would embarrass myself and forget the song lyrics. I couldn’t do it. A million and one thoughts flashed through my mind.”
She was scared during the auditions, but she impressed with her choice of the song Rise Up which she felt reflected her Christian values.
It wasn’t the first time the young singer had competed. She took part twice in the talent show at Palo Seco Secondary School, and won the second time, but she was still doubtful that she was up to the necessary level of excellence.One thing for sure, she had an extensive musical background to guide her. Kendra has been singing since she was five, performing at the Pentecostal church where she grew up. Musical talent runs deep in Kendra’s family. She was guided by her father, the pastor of Peace and Love Ministries in Siparia.
“He would encourage me to sing with him when he was called to preach, and to play guitar for church events,” reminisces Kendra. “He realised I loved singing, so he continued to mentor me and teach me all he knew about music and what his father taught him – my grandfather, who was in the Daisy Voisin band [La Divina Pastora Serenaders].”
“Singing fills me with joy,” she declares. “It is like food for your soul. It’s like happiness.”
She adds, “When I sing, I feel important. I feel I am where I am supposed to be. I could be sad, and before I know it, I am singing, and then I actually forget everything. It’s like a literal escape from harsh reality.”
Kendra’s decision to participate in the competition was fortified by the support of family and mentors. Realising how much the venture meant to her, her father agreed with her decision to perform, though he was concerned about her travelling to school alone. Her sister promised to support her at every step. Her music teacher, Kwasida Smith, gave her the pep talk she needed.
“Forget about fear if you can do something,” she said. “People are only afraid if they can’t do it. I saw what you can do, so believe in yourself.”
UWI Got Talent mentor and choreographer Sherma Burke also gave her advice and guidance, and Kendra credits Jarell Alder, Manager of Student Engagement at DSSD, and the team behind the event for empowering her.At the grand finale, though nervous at first, she stepped self-assuredly onto the stage. Dressed in white, Kendra opened with I Know Where I Have Been. She chooses songs which she believes will minister to her audience, and she explained that she felt that that song depicted hope. Her performance took her to the top five. She chose Hallelujah as her second round song, a hymn about love and deceit, which she finds relatable. Her rendition catapulted her to the top.
She was deeply touched not only by the response of her audience, but by the praises of her fellow contestants. “To know that I was surrounded by true supporters... it meant a lot to me. This was the first time that I saw people show sincere happiness for each other in the way they did collectively.” It was an affirmation that she deserved her place in the spotlight.
“I am reminded that I have a gift to share, and that my hard work did not go in vain,” she says, and Kendra is taking the lesson to heart.
Asked what advice she has for students who might hesitate to participate in upcoming UWI Got Talent competitions, Kendra declares, “Hey, what are you waiting on? Sign up and give yourself a chance!” Reflecting on the influence of the programme, she observes, “It is a statement that we are all worthy and capable of greatness, and that our lives are purposeful. I am truly grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
