The finals of TNL Onstage are set to take place on Saturday (September 13th) and here are the finalists taking part in the solo category.

Shala

The only girl amongst this year’s soloists has been singing and performing since she was was three. She was a part of the Merry Anne Singers and currently trains with Vocal Essence. She is also one of the lead singers of the band, The Bakery. I love to sing jazz, but I also enjoy performing a bit of classic pop, blues and indie. Her influences come in the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra, Alicia Keys and Norah Jones, to mention a few. Speaking on the Onstage experience she says “I've had a lot of fun competing against the other soloists, whom i've become quite friendly with. I've learnt a lot during these past few months which I think would enhance my future performances.”

Joel

Joel first started singing in church when he was a young boy  and  was inspired to learn the guitar after watching his brother play and thereafter self taught himself. You would have seen him perform  I peform at random gigs with my partner in Crime Ryan. His influences include Bob marley and Bruno Mars and he looks up to people like john Mayer and The Dire Straits because of their musicality. Speaking on being a apart of Onstage he says “Being my first competition I've enjoined every bit of it. I've got to know some great people with alot of musical talent and humble personalities. Onstage has helped me become a better musician and a artist in whole.”

Shazad

He kicked his musical career off in the Wesley College Choir and ended it there up until now. Influenced by the likes of  Sting and The Police to John Mayer, Incubus, John Legend (before All of Me), a Japanese hip hop jazz composer called Nujabes and a bunch of others. He says “The onstage experience has been quite a ride. I think the whole thing is still sinking from being in the finals to even singing to large crowds. But all in all it's definitely one that I’ll never forget and it’s just quite amazing, mostly indescribable but generally amazing.”

Minesh

Started singing in at St. Joseph’s College with the college choir, under the training of Mr. Francis de Almeida.  Minesh entered the  music scene as a solo act over the course of the last year. His style is more of soul music, but he also enjoys playing a lot of acoustically arranged music. Some major influences to this young man are James Arthur, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer.

“Onstage has been a learning experience for me. Being one of the youngest in the competition was a challenge, and I didn't think I would make it so far. The support right throughout has been steady and encouraging, from my parents, relatives and friends. I feel like I've grown as an artist. And I hope to prove it to the public at the finals.” says Minesh.

Nikhil

Nikihil’s singing career has mainly consisted of very small gigs so far...open mic night and talent shows. This is his first time going solo and his first competition as well. His style is mainly acoustic, pop is his forte and anything from a romantic ballad to a wordy rap. Ed Sheeran as many already know is a massive Influence on his music. Sam Smith is another big influence and John Mayer. When it comes to bands, The Script and AlterBridge and even Coldplay inspire this the young man. Speaking on being a part of onstage he says “To be a part of Onstage and the finals is truly overwhelming. As I said before it is my first time solo and in a competition so this is an amazing moment for me personally and as well as a stepping stone to my dream of being a solo artist. Looking forward to the finals and good luck to the other contestants.”

By Reihan Stephen

Photo credits: Cloud Attic Photography