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Organisers and attendees of the Peace Day concert were left in awe by American International School of Kingston (AISK) performers and their solo singer, Stella Degeus.

The event's organiser and general manager of the Peace and Love in Schools (PALS) programme, Janilee Abrikian, shared that all the performers did great, but the unique creativity that the AISK dancers showcased brought an unusual mix.

"I made sure that the American dancers [along with] their soloist, Stella, was included in this year's concert because our kids, on a whole, don't get exposed to that kind of music and I was adamant that she sings [a rendition of] Bridge Over Troubled Waters - and it was exceptionally beautiful. Stella and the Edna Manley soloist, Jesse McClure, [are] top-class voices that our children need to be exposed to," Abrikian told THE WEEKEND STAR.

She added that the experience created a diverse, top-quality performance of cultural mix, music and talents in one space.

"So they got the mento, the Roy Rayon [four-time Festival Song winner], they got the Broadway, the pantomime, and because I have a degree in the performing arts, I am not lowering my standards. And every item we're bringing on, I vet dem first," she said.

The Dutch-American singer Degeus expressed gratitude for a warm, heartfelt reaction to her performance.

"I really enjoyed it, the crowd was very fun and receptive, they were very happy to be here, I was very happy to be here - the vibes was good, so I loved it," she said. "I'm grateful to have been able to perform in other places of Jamaica as well, but this is the first time I'm performing at the Peace Day ceremony, so this is very special to me."

The 16-year old shared that she often "performs for fun" at the 22 Jerk Jam sessions on Thursdays with other musicians, but while she's in Jamaica, she hopes to start a professional music career and collaborate with some Jamaican artistes. She said she has been "blessed to be mentored by Tessanne Chin", under her Voice Box programme.

Director of the AISK group, Dr Sade Bully-Bell, said Degeus' performance, along with the dance piece, showcased an excellent representation of what the school offers while sending a positive message.

"We just wanted to bring a dance which embodies spreading love and light and sends a message of positivity," she said. She also opined that the use of arts should be incorporated more in schools.