WILLEMSTAD – The annual Mi Talento Pa Mi Pais – Youth Voices program has undergone a major transformation in 2026, evolving from a traditional singing competition into an intensive Talent Lab designed to develop the next generation of Curaçao’s creative leaders.
Rather than focusing solely on vocal performance, this year's program offers participants comprehensive training in songwriting, creativity, personal development, self-confidence, cultural identity, and artistic expression.
The initiative aims to nurture the island’s future artists, storytellers, songwriters, cultural ambassadors, and creative innovators. Under the theme "Born to Shine," participants are encouraged to discover their unique voices, share their personal stories, and celebrate their talents.
The project is led by Tamara Nivillac through her company, Unfold Momentum. Together with a team of professionals, she developed an innovative program that combines artistic growth with personal development.
Following a mini-tour of schools and an audition process that attracted more than 30 applicants, nine young talents were selected to participate in the Talent Lab: Jean-Lynn Rose, Anouk Anthony, Darlisha Valks, Nichael Ridderstaat, Aaliyah Lourens, Nathan Engelhart, Ray-Johnelly Sophia, Tiarah Martina Giterson, and Tyrese de Paula.
Over the past several weeks, the participants have attended multiple sessions at the Renaissance, where they have collaborated, experimented, and developed their artistic skills in a creative environment.
Throughout the program, they received guidance from an impressive team of coaches and industry professionals. Roland Colastica led a masterclass on identity and authenticity, while Daphne Merced, Axel Pikero, and Sorandy Sint Jacobs coached participants in songwriting and music creation. During an intensive Writers Camp, the group collaborated with Dibo Doran and his team to develop a joint musical production.
Additional coaching included vocal training by Monique Bakker, vocal health workshops by Suzette Koko, mindset and neuroscience sessions led by Nelida Cathalina, and performance coaching by Shelomi Doran and Jeffery Tromp.
The results of months of creativity, writing, rehearsals, and collaboration will be presented during Curaçao's Flag and Anthem Day celebrations on July 2 at Brionplein.
Organizers say this year's event carries special significance following the excitement generated by the Blue Wave's historic participation in the FIFA World Cup, which has reignited national pride and strengthened appreciation for Curaçao's culture and identity.
They believe this renewed sense of unity makes it even more important to provide young people with a platform to express themselves and share their love for the island.
The free public performance will take place on Thursday, July 2, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Brionplein, where residents and visitors will have the opportunity to discover Curaçao's emerging generation of creative talent while celebrating the island's culture, identity, and future during the Flag and Anthem Day festivities.
The public can also follow the participants' journey through the official Mi Talento Pa Mi Pais – Youth Voices social media channels on Instagram (@mitalentopamipais) and TikTok (@youthvoices.cw).