André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Romain Virgo and Lenya Wilks, who placed fourth in the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars competition, enjoy their part of a group performance at Mas Camp on Friday, September 28.- Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

If Romain Virgo still cannot believe he is the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars champ, others are there to remind him.

"I still can't believe, but you know how mi know seh mi win is when I walk on the road and people call me winner," the newest Rising Star said.

The king of Stepmey, St. Ann, return home in the dead of the night last Saturday after winning the competition Friday night. At that time the community was asleep, but a faithful few gathered in his stepfather's shop and awaited Romain's arrival.

strong support

"It was only 10 people, but it was so noisy. It was like the whole community was there. They were saying, 'the king is home'," Romain recalled.

As soon as day broke, he was swarmed by those wanting to congratulate him. And since they no longer had to send a text message to vote for him, it seemed his fans called him instead. These included many calls from numbers he did not know.

It was a very hectic week for the young Rising Star. For the entire week Romain roved in his old school bus to some of the other schools in the parish that were firmly behind him. There, he signed autographs and, of course, sang for the students. He said it was his way of thanking them for their support.

Still this is only a taste of weeks to come. Since last Friday, Romain has been booked for 22 shows for October and still counting. November and December could be more hectic, but he will not give himself a fright by pondering beyond October.

"I feel really happy. That is how I know I can sing because everybody want me. I really appreciate that," Romain said. "I can't walk on the road and people don't recognise me.

With that many shows coming up for Romain, he said he spends a lot of his time rehearsing so that he can give his best.

Dan Kuster, head of A&R at Greensleeves, had his eyes initially on Lenya Wilks, but his sight was diverted once she was shockingly voted off the show. This is not to say he does not approve of the choice of the people. "I wassurprised like anybody else when she got voted off, but you know from the get-go that the decision will come from the voting public," Kuster said. "I like him (Romain). He has natural talent and the 'boy- next-door' quality."

Kuster has already began working with the top three finishers and also Lenya.

"The top four as a whole was quite impressive. I am excited from what I have seen," Kuster said.

Yvonne Wilks (right), director of marketing at Digicel, presents the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars winner's cheque to Romain Virgo (left), with host Denise Hunt getting his reaction to the moment.- Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

future plans

As for the healthy sum Romain won, he said some will go towards his tuition when he enrols at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts next year. "I also want to help out my family here and there with a few things," Romain said.

He did not go into details with most of what he wants to do, but said he will also try to help his mother with a house she has started. A car is also in the future but for now he will rely on his driver, who drove him to an from the various rounds of the competition, to take him around. The driver will come in very handy, as Romain has no intention of residing in Kingston.

"I realised that I will have to go in and out of Kingston for business, but I will have to stay over when I have to. I will not live in Kingston," he said

Romain has roughly a year before he starts college. Between now and then, he plans on working hard at music and furthering his career. And, for the record, he wants to make it clear that he and Lenya are involved.

"Everywhere I go people ask me. We are just friends," Romain reiterated.

He said he has maintained contact with Deh Deh, Jodian Pantry, Inga Stewart, Oneil Peart and Mickeala Jack.