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CBS ANNOUNCES THE 21 PERFORMERS PARTICIPATING IN THE 2018 DIVERSITY COMEDY SHOWCASE

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CBS today announced the 21 performers participating in the 2018 CBS DIVERSITY COMEDY SHOWCASE which will begin its run of six shows on Jan. 23 at the El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles.

Since its inception 13 years ago, THE CBS DIVERSITY COMEDY SHOWCASE has developed into a hybrid comedy show with Broadway-worthy live performances and original, creative writing. Recognized by many as the industry leader in actor showcases designed to highlight diverse talent, THE CBS DIVERSITY COMEDY SHOWCASE is attended by senior-level CBS Entertainment executives, showrunners and casting directors from series on CBS, as well as other networks and talent agents/managers from across the entertainment industry.

This year’s showcase saw over 800 auditions with sessions in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Hundreds of performers also auditioned via self-tape. Over the four-month rehearsal period, over 500 original sketches are written, with 20 making it to the stage.

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We Speak Indie Artist

Marz Starlife Makes A Striking First Impression With Healing

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Every once in a while, a debut comes along that doesn’t just introduce an artist – it reveals a soul. Marz Starlife’s first EP, Healing, is exactly that. It’s raw, it’s heartfelt, and it doesn’t pretend to have everything figured out. Instead, it leans into the messiness of real life – the mistakes, the heartbreak, the isolation – and tries to make sense of it all through music. Born in Jamaica, raised in the UK, and now back on the island, Marz brings a cross-cultural perspective to his storytelling, but at the heart of Healing is something deeply human: the need to reckon with the past in order to move forward.

Across the project’s standout tracks, Marz doesn’t hold back. In Bad Memories, he opens up about years lost to incarceration, fractured relationships, and the weight of regret. “Spent four birthdays locked up, baby remember me please,” he raps, in a tone that’s both matter-of-fact and aching. The production stays subdued and moody, letting the lyrics breathe. There’s no glorification of the streets here, only reflection. He admits to being young and caught up in the chase for fast money, but he also shows growth, making it clear that he’s not the same person he once was. It’s a track that lingers, not because it tries to be flashy, but because it feels real.

The title track, Healing, is where everything clicks. Marz taps into something almost spiritual as he raps, “I turn pain into power, darkness to light.” The song is layered with poetic lines and subtle emotional shifts, balancing toughness with tenderness. There’s a determination to rise above, even when the scars still sting. He reflects on his upbringing, his time in the streets, and the inner battles he continues to fight. “No shrink can understand how I’m feeling,” he says, and honestly, it’s hard not to believe him. The pain here is too specific, too lived-in. But instead of letting it swallow him, he uses it to fuel something greater.

What’s refreshing about Healing is that it doesn’t try to fit neatly into any one genre or narrative. Marz blends elements of UK hip-hop, Jamaican rhythm, and emotional rap into something that feels uniquely his own. He’s not here to be the loudest or the flashiest; he’s here to be honest. And in a world full of over-produced, over-polished music, that honesty stands out.

With Healing, Marz Starlife has given us more than a debut; he’s given us a mirror into his journey, and maybe even our own. Whether you’ve lived through similar struggles or are just someone who appreciates music with depth and heart, this EP is worth your time. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible, and that sometimes telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do.

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