The Marlons THEY HAVE the distinction of being the youngest ever contestants in the National Popular Song competition. Marlon Smith is 20 and Marlon King is 23.
When they decided to enter the event, they needed to find a name. They opted to use what was common between them, their Christian name. Hence they are The Marlons.
Both are members of the Area Youth Foundation and they have dreams of being big stars in their desired fields. Their contest entry is entitled We Can and they sing it with passion.
"As youth who grew up in the inner-city and have first hand knowledge of what life is like when you are less privileged, we feel it is necessary for us to offer some hope to the young people who are feeling despair because of their trying situations," said Marlon Smith.
"It is a song of encouragement. We are showing that despite the fact that some of us have to grow and live amidst the violence, abandonment and poverty, there is always hope," the younger Marlon added.
Both are actors, utilising their skills in the Area Youth Foundation.
Marlon King has gone a step further though, as he has appeared in the revue Tek Dat Ting Mek Laugh. All their training as vocalists and dramatists, has come through the Area Youth project.
"I like to think of myself as being multi-talented," said King.
"I would really like to develop in as many areas as possible," he continued.
The duo say they are already elated about the contest, even by the idea that they are the youngest contestants ever.
"We started celebrating from the moment we learnt that we were selected." they said
Andrew Clunis
Contributed
