As time winds down to the Wednesday, April 10, 2024 midnight deadline, aspiring Gospel talents are encouraged to submit their entries for the Jamaica Gospel Star Competition. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) had extended the deadline to encourage more participants to showcase their talents by performing original or cover songs.
Oral Lawson, the 2023 competition winner, shared insights into the competition, emphasizing its role as a professional development platform for aspiring gospel artistes. He highlighted the importance of having backing tracks for performances, as well as mastering communication and time management skills.
"Personally, I've experienced significant growth in my ministry through this competition. It has highlighted the importance of being prepared, including having your own tracks, as not every venue provides a band. Moreover, it has taught me essential skills like communication, time management, and performance readiness. Winning isn't just about the prize money; it's about gaining an extended family, networking opportunities, and collaborating with industry professionals like Johnmark Wiggan and Alicia Taylor. Overall, the competition has been a transformative masterclass in the Gospel industry." He said.
Lawson encourages hesitant individuals to recognize their calling in music ministry and to seize the opportunity to enter the competition before the Wednesday, April 10, 2024 deadline.
Describing the entry process as straightforward, he explains that he selected a video from his social media page showcasing his performance of a favourite song and then visited the JCDC website. Once there, he navigated to the competition section, easily found the Gospel Star Competition, and registered without difficulty. After completing the registration process and submitting the video, the rest is history.
Danielle Mayne, the 2022 competition winner, shared her experience of being entered into the competition by a friend who recognized her talent.
She emphasized the valuable lessons learned during her journey and highlighted the competition's role in personal growth, citing improvements in stage presence, resilience to criticism, and confidence. Her journey from initial shyness to versatility underscored the transformative nature of the competition. Mayne encouraged contestants to embrace constructive feedback and remain authentic in their ministry as they strive for growth.
With the deadline, approaching, aspiring artists are encouraged to seize the opportunity to participate in this transformative master class. Do not miss the chance to be part of the Jamaica Gospel Star Competition before midnight on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.