For over two decades Damion Melville has been a master at lifting spirits. Be it live on stage at a calypso tent or over the radio airwaves, the loveable Point Fortin-born comedian has positioned himself as a bringer of joy in regional entertainment. Melville fondly recalled beginning his comedic journey, not in front of a hall full of laughing people, but at home in front of an eager audience of eight siblings and his mother. Using a hairbrush for a microphone, he used to imitate people to make them laugh.
By age 16, Melville started honing his talent as a member of the neighbourhood troupe Progressors - a collective of young people focused on dance and drama. From there, he caught the attention of the Warden Road Folk Performers, and later competed with the group at the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. His first major breakthrough, however, came with his entry into the Scouting for Talent competition.
“I wrote my first piece entitled ‘Play Nah’,” he reflected. “It wasn’t even supposed to be comedic. I was expressing my disappointment with how pan men were treated, but it made people laugh and think.”
A down-to-earth approach, Melville’s thoughtful perspectives and relatable humour won over the judges, propelling him through the rounds of the competition. A slip-up in the semifinal round almost cost him a place in the finals, but he ultimately placed third - a notable milestone in his early career. Read More
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