In a remarkable display of talent, discipline, and determination, David Nicholson of Clan Carthy Primary School in Kingston made a commanding impression at the National Speech Finals of the Jamaica Festival of the Performing Arts on May 2 at the Little Theatre. He secured six individual awards, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that his success came just one day after completing his Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams.
“I feel really good that my hard work has paid off,” Nicholson said. “Winning these awards feels great. I had to stay up late practicing my performances.” He also shared how he managed his time, explaining, “I actually finished PEP yesterday, so I created a schedule to balance my study time and practice time.”
Undeterred by the pressure of back-to-back academic and performance challenges, Nicholson delivered his performances with confidence and flair. His dedication earned him high praise from the panel of adjudicators, who awarded him several national Class 3 titles: Best Overall Performer, Best Jamaican Poem, Best Jamaican Prose, and Best Jamaican Stand-Up. Additionally, he claimed two major overall titles: Best Overall Stand-Up Comedy and Best Overall Performance, solidifying his place among Jamaica’s brightest young talents.
David’s success continued in group performances, where he helped Clan Carthy secure two ensemble awards: Best Experimental Dub Poetry Ensemble (Male) and Best Dub Poetry Ensemble (Male). Reflecting on the experience, he noted, “It was challenging, but my team knew how to collaborate and manage our time effectively.”
Throughout his journey, Nicholson was supported by his mother, Shandia McCoy, who beamed with pride. “I’m very proud of him,” she said. “I know he has raw talent, and I’m there 100% to give him all my energy, my support, and my love.”
Preparation was intense, especially with the challenge of long-distance coaching. “I practice with my tutor online because he lives in England,” Nicholson explained. His tutor, Shae Brown, a multi-time JCDC award winner and author of several poems Nicholson performed, described the experience as “demanding but deeply rewarding.” Despite the six-hour time difference, they found a rhythm that worked. “We rehearsed during lunch breaks, squeezed in quick run-throughs in the mornings, and focused on solo pieces in the evenings—all online.”
As the curtains closed on day three of the Speech National Finals, David Nicholson stood tall—not only as a talented performer but also as a shining example of what can be achieved through preparation, passion, and the unwavering support of family.
Other overall winners of the Speech National Finals 2025 included Jessie Ripoll Primary School (Kingston), Ardenne High School (Kingston), St. Jago High School (St. Catherine), and the Godfrey Stewart Performing Arts Society (Westmoreland).
