Kingston, Jamaica- History is in the making as the Honourable Olivia Grange, OJ, CD, MP, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, announced that an unprecedented number of females have been chosen as finalists in the 2024 Jamaica Festival Song Competition. For the first time in the nearly 60-year history of the competition, more female finalists will compete, with six women chosen compared to four men. This announcement was made on Friday, May 31, 2024.
The six female finalists are:
- Auraiya Hope (Proud Jamaican)
- Sister Novelette (Fi Mi Island Home)
- TrishMaq (Jamaica is a Big Brand)
- Kimiela 'Candy' Isaacs (# One Jamaica)
- Trisstar (Jamaica Jamaica)
- Pepita (We are Jamaicans)
The four male finalists are:
- Lex M.D (Jah Love this Land).
- Renzzah (Waa Back Jamaica)
- Reggae Maxx (Better Jamaica)
- Casey Donaldson (Sweet Jamaica)
Of interest is that one of the finalists, Kimiela 'Candy' Isaacs, is visually impaired, demonstrating the inclusive nature of the competition. Candy has a notable history with JCDC competitions, having won second place in the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition in 2009 and being a finalist in the Jamaica Festival Song Competition in 2021.
Additionally, the finalists have emerged from various parts of Jamaica, demonstrating the breadth of talent in the competition.
Minister Grange notes that the variety in the selection of finalists is a representation of the tireless work put in by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in unearthing and showcasing the Jamaican culture.
“I’m particularly happy about the fact that for the first time so many women would have been selected in the top 10. They were selected by the judges who were very critical and focussed on what they consider to be the best entries. This year it will be interesting to see the battle between the ladies and of course the gentlemen,” the Minister noted.
“I want to highlight the fact that when the judges are selecting the entries they do not know who that entrant is. They are given numbers that are associated with each song; they listen to the songs, and then make their selection. They have absolutely no idea who the performer, writer or producer is. So, when they select, they are doing so without prejudice,” Minister Grange added.
Among the female entrants is Miss Hanover Festival Queen 2023, Tricia “Trisstar” Cunningham, and media personality Pepita Little.
“This underscores the work of the JCDC. Part of the criteria for the Festival Queen is that the contestants must display a talent. Coming out of that competition, Miss Hanover clearly displayed such great talent that she was motivated and inspired to move on to the Festival Song Competition. Candy is what I would describe as a festival baby. She just loves being involved in festival activities and celebrations of Jamaican music and culture,” said Minister Grange.
As the Competition progresses, the top ten finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their songs to the nation through various platforms, including live performances and media appearances. The eventual winner will not only earn the prestigious title of the 2024 Jamaica Festival Song Winner, and a place in Jamaica’s rich musical legacy, but will walk away with the winning cash prize of a whopping three Million Dollars.
The Winner will be determined by a combination of the verdict of a panel of Judges and public voting on the Digicel Platform (but open to voting from all networks including FLOW). Voting will begin after the Live presentation show on TVJ on Thursday June 27, 2024 and will close on the evening of the Festival Song Results Show at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Saturday July 13, 2024.
The Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists for their outstanding contributions to Jamaican music and culture, and is of the view that the journey towards selecting the next Jamaica Festival Song Winner will be another exhilarating celebration of Jamaican talent, creativity, and national pride.
Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the Jamaica Festival Song Competition is a prestigious platform that showcases the musical talents of both professional and aspiring artists, songwriters, and producers. It serves as a flagship programme for Jamaica’s annual Independence Celebrations.
