Paul H. Williams, Gleaner Writer
McKenzie says, "I perform every chance I get." - Contributed Photos
"I FEEL like I'm in another world. Nothing else matters and I'm caught up in a feeling of euphoria that I never want to end. My spirit gets lifted into another place and it's a feeling I love to experience as many times as I can," said Jomain McKenzie, a first-year Jamaican student at East Central University, in Oklahoma, United States.
He was not, however, talking about being hooked on drugs. Rather, the drama and singing talent is speaking about an addiction to performing. Hence, he said, "I perform every chance I get."
His talents have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, he was among the persons nominated to receive the annual Prime Minister's National Youth Awards for Excellence in arts and culture.
Jomain's abilities were spotted early by his teachers at Minera Primary School in Clarendon, notably Daphne Meikle and Doreen Burke. According to Jomain, they recognised his potential and "were deeply involved in every aspect of my life".
After Minera Primary, Jomain moved to Glenmuir High School, where he flourished academically, artistically and as a student leader.
At Glenmuir, he was head boy, 2006-2007; president and public relations director, Senior Festival Choir; president and team captain, Debate Society; vice-president (2005), acting president (2006) - student body; senior prefect, prefect adviser; sports house captain; Jamaica's representative to the 2006 Inaugural Caribbean Youth Summit; nominee for president and vice-president of the National Secondary Students Council; recipient of the DeRoux Shield for the Most Responsible and Trustworthy Student for 2006; and valedictorian for the graduating class of 2005.
"Ever since the third grade, I've been involved in JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission) events and other performing arts activities in church and at school. I did speech, dance, and when I started fifth form I started doing music. I've always loved the performing arts, especially when I realised I could do a t'ing."
Thus, he became a part of the Glenmuir High School Festival Choir and Performing Arts Troupe of which he was student director, 2006-2007. The group was declared the overall winners in the 2007 JCDC music competitions. Under his leadership, the choir made proposals to the school's board of management to start a formal music programme at the school. Funds were also raised and sponsorships solicited to create, within Glenmuir's auditorium, the first theatrical stage at a high school in Clarendon.
In the performing arts, his work has not gone unnoticed. Between 1998-2007, he received 16 gold and silver medals, and two bronze, in JCDC performing arts competitions. In addition, he won awards for Most Outstanding Theatrical Song (Phantom of the Opera), 2007; Most Outstanding Vocal Gospel Soloist, 2006; and Best National Public Speaker, 2005.
Having established himself as an excellent performer, he went further by co-writing and co-directing Journey Home, the first musical play of the troupe.
"Featuring a wide variety of folk, pop, gospel and roots reggae music, and dance, it brings to the stage the story of a young man growing up in a Christian home," Jomain said. "Despite his mother's attempts to instil within him positive values, he finds himself being influenced by his gangster friend. His deviant behaviour escalates to extreme acts of violence. This nearly leads to his doom.
But, why another play with a violence-focused subplot?
"In a time where violence has touched the lives of our homes and communities, and in this time when our young people and our schools are being tarnished with the influence of immorality, the Glenmuir High School Festival Choir and Performing Arts Troupe have envisioned it a part of our duty to help spread the message of morality and integrity. This we are doing, in an effort to help fight youth crimes, especially in these parts of our island."
The play has received rave reviews from Karen Harriot-Wilson, seasoned Jamaican actress; musician and music specialist, Dwight Sanderson; and musician par excellence, Grub Cooper, among many others.
Another memorable moment for him was being a member of the performing team at the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony.
In summer 2007, Jomain enrolled at East Central University, and right away got involved in the theatrical opportunities at the university, in addition to studies in mass communication and musical theatre. He has been cast as 'Ike Skidmore' in Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, 'Oklahoma'. It was put on in commemoration of Oklahoma' 100th anniversary of statehood, in November.
He's now a member of East Central University Musical Theatre Touring Ensemble, and performed in Tiger Tales, a musical production of the history of the university. It was done as part of the inauguration of the university's new president.
So, the stage is set for a bright future, and an exciting climax for one whose youthful days have been replete with his own personal melodramas. "I believe that the performing arts can be a tool of moral change and empowerment for young people, and it is my desire to mobilise music and theatre to help motivate and empower young people. Jamaica needs to try another way of getting our young people more focused. I want to be a part of the team that tries," he said in rationalising his involvement with the arts.
Send feedback to paul.williams@gleanerjm.com
Jomain McKenzie (second right) is 'Ike Skidmore' in Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma'. This was staged by East Central University, in commemoration of Oklahoma's 100 anniversary of statehood last November.
