Kingston, April 18, 2024– The atmosphere at the Little Theatre was charged with excitement on Tuesday, April 16, as the curtains opened for the 2024 edition of the Festival of the Performing Arts National Finals. Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), this annual event serves as a platform to highlight gold medalists who excelled in Traditional Folk Forms, Drama and Theatre, Music, Speech, and Dance at the parish level. Participants compete for national trophies and bragging rights to be the best in their category and class.
In his opening remarks, Lenford Salmon, Executive Director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), emphasized the organization’s role as one of the few dedicated to holistic development for Jamaicans of all ages and backgrounds. He highlighted several prominent figures in Jamaica's creative sector who have been influenced by the works of the JCDC, including broadcaster Jennifer ‘Jenny Jenny’ Small and recording artistes Romain Virgo and 'Nigy Boy.' Salmon further noted that while not everyone reaches the national stage, their JCDC journey often becomes a pivotal moment, allowing them to discover and refine their talents at a very young age with the support of teachers and peers.
The first two days of competitions, from April 16 to April 17, showcased participants of Traditional Folk Forms, ranging in age from as young as 4-years-old to adults from community groups, most from rural Jamaica. Each group, decked in brightly coloured costumes, delivered electrifying performances in various categories, including Quadrille (Ballroom, Camp, and Contra Styles), Ring Games, Maypole, Revival, Dinki Mini, Brukins Party, Gerreh, Ettu, and a Medley of Folk forms.
Following the performances, some participants shared their perspectives on the importance of the JCDC and its programmes.
Chad Clarke, representative from Herbert Morrison Technical High School in St. James, emphasized the value of Traditional Folk Forms and encouraged more young people to participate in JCDC competitions. He said, "Most people see the Traditional Folk Form Competitions as just performing on stage to win a trophy, but it offers much more than that…It helps us build confidence and fosters holistic development that extends beyond high school."
Somanya Wright, a teacher from the Browns Town Infant Cultural Group, expressed her excitement after winning the national trophy for Maypole, describing the decision to participate and the excitement of their first-time victory. She remarked, "Our group comprises teachers and a parent. We decided to enter the competition because we've taught children before. However, this year, we decided to take on the challenge to participate ourselves. When I heard that we won the National trophy for Class 6 Maypole, I felt elated. My heart started racing because it was our first time participating, and we performed exceptionally well."
Mrs. Arissa Green Beckford from Marley Mount Primary and Infant School expressed that the journey of preparing young students to participate in JCDC Competitions is both exciting and tense. “When they are on stage I sometimes stay in the wings critiquing the moves but at the end of the day, once they enjoy themselves I am happy.”
This series of events will run on weekdays at the Little Theatre, from Tuesday, April 16, to Thursday, May 2, 2024. Exceptions include Music on Sunday, April 21, and Deaf Dance on Saturday, April 27, both at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Additionally, a Speech Finals will be held on Tuesday, April 23, at Shortwood Teachers’ College and the final event, Drumfest, is scheduled for Friday, May 3, at Emancipation Park.
