By Nadine Thomas-Brown, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, nadine@nasguard.com

The High School Deejay Competition kicks off its highly anticipated sophomoric return on Saturday at Club Infiniti, Elizabeth Ave. with a host of talented students battling to be the best junior deejay in town.

The contest is open only to high school students, and will take place from 2-6p.m., according to organizer, Tanaka "Lady Tan" Deveaux, a former deejay and promoter. There is no limit to numbers of students allowed to enter.

Lady Tan, as she prefers to be called, says it's a great way for aspiring deejays to hone their skills. "It is an event where the new generation can prove and highlight their talent and build their own reputation and popularity and participate in music and the creative arts," she said.

She says the competition exposes the amateurs to the fact that deejaying is an art form which incorporates several techniques geared at attracting and keeping an audience.

Competitors will have to dig deep into their music stash and draw from a pool of genres to keep the crowd entertained and the judges impressed.

Bahamian music, dancehall/culture, soca and R&B are the major categories in which contestants must show versatility in their bid to win bragging rights, a trophy and appearances on two upcoming major concerts.

Weeding out the deejays who are not up to scratch will be seasoned professionals such as 100 Jamz's Dion Da Butcha , former radio personality CNote, and 104.5's J Groove.

Last year's winner Ace 2, from St. Augustine's College, are expected to return to the competition this year for a title defense as they are still eligible to enter.

Contest rules forbid students to use songs proliferating negative images and stereotypes as well as profane language. "We are trying to promote a positive image and the competition is designed to encourage students and schools to support their competing deejays.

The event will be a non-alcoholic and non-smoking event fully supervised by security. There is still time to enter the competition and no one will be turned away.

Tickets are available at the Juke Box & Alpha Sounds at a cost of $10.

High School DJ Competition

Venue: Club Infiniti

Date: Saturday, May 3

Time: 2 - 6pm

Cost: $10 in advance

Ticket outlet: Juke Box & Alpha Sounds