City talent measured in onstage showdown

After bringing Kevin Lyles, Lyfe Jennings, and Young Jeezy to campus, Endusty Power Players is adding to the list the second annual “Survival of The Fittest: City vs. City.”

Tonight at 7 p.m., Lee Hall will be filled with young and fresh talent, ready for display.

This isn’t the conventional talent show, where performers get on stage and they really can’t sing, dance or rap. “Survival of the Fittest: City vs. City” is an event that allows many groups of people to represent where they’re from and “do it big.”

“This talent show is different from others because it’s a real live show with people that are passionate about what they do,” said Brandon “Aywun” Lindsey, 21, a junior business economics student from Atlanta. “A lot of people slept on it last year,”

Aywun, will be performing in the showcase, as he will “rep” his city.

Last year’s showcase sold more than 700 tickets and featured artist One Chance of US records, the label owned by hit artist Usher Raymond. Last year’s winner, the D.C. Metro Clubs go-go band, will be competing for the title again.

“Are you strong enough to perform in the event?” asked Amir Tonsul, 20, a junior economics major from Newark, N.J., who is also the director of marketing for EPP. “This will be a real atmosphere, with real people, who have real talent.”

Bragging rights are reserved for the best performer. This year’s grand prize is over $150 and spectators have a chance to win door prizes. There will also be a $1-raffle prize give-away.

You can also expect to see go-go bands, hip-hop artists, rock-bands and many other performers.

There will also be a featured artist, but coordinators say you’ll only know who it is if you go to the show.

Beginning on the campus of Howard University, EPP planted its seed on Florida A&M University’s campus in the fall of 2004. Amir Windom, 21, the president of EPP, alongside his executive board has developed a recognizable name on campus.

“EPP is an organization that expects to bring quality events to campus life” said Tonsul. He said the member of EPP want to unite all classifications to provide opportunities in the entertainment industry to all students at FAMU.

Paul Allen, 20, a junior business economics major from Milwaukee, Wis., extends EPP’s invitation to all students.

“Last year the event was crazy, the turn out was good. We’re hoping for the same or better,” Allen said. “Come out, you won’t be disappointed. EPP has quality events”.