Grange excited about ‘electrifying’ Gospel Star cohort

Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment, and sport, expressed excitement about this year’s Jamaica Gospel Star Competition, which is set to return for its fourth season on Sunday.

Offering a platform for gospel talents to showcase their abilities and propel their ministries to new heights, Grange spoke of the exceptional talent in this year’s competition.

“The 2024 cohort of the Jamaica Gospel Star Competition features a spectacular assembly of some of Jamaica’s finest aspiring and seasoned singing talents, promising an electrifying musical showdown. We are poised for another thrilling and fiercely competitive year,” she said.

The ten finalists in this year’s competition are: Shornette McPherson, Shauna-Kaye McArthur, Darren Grant, Terrica Pryce, Kenneka Rust, Robert ‘Brodba’ Brodber, Donica Dennis Chambers, Curtis Rhoden, Jaida Messam, and Shauna Thomas.

Launched in 2021, Jamaica Gospel Star builds upon the legacy of the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition, which produced some of the island’s most celebrated gospel hits, including Hold My Hand Today by Glacia Robinson, Praise by Kevin Downswell, More Blessings Again by Lubert Levy, and One Touch by Levy’s Heritage.

“The JCDC Gospel Star Competition is more than a music contest; it is a ministry that nurtures the personal and professional growth of its participants,” said Grange. “Through this platform, we are empowering the next generation of gospel ministers who can carry on the legacy of renowned artistes like Kevin Downswell, who developed their ministries through the JCDC Gospel Competition.”

The finalists are set to engage with gospel music professionals and gain invaluable industry connections for mentorship and guidance. Veteran vocalist and experienced vocal coach, Alicia Taylor, a pillar in Jamaica’s Gospel music scene, will serve as the rehearsal coach, drawing from her extensive experience supporting artistes like Jermaine Edwards and Rondel Positive, as well as leading worship at Worship and Faith International Fellowship. The panel of judges include industry luminaries Nadine Blair, John Mark Wiggan, Ruth Browne, Djenne Greaves, and Leighton Jones.

“While we present the Jamaica Gospel Star as a competition, it truly operates as a ministry where finalists learn to balance their personal faith with their public ministry,” explained Andrea McCurdy, production manager at the JCDC. “This experience equips them with the tools and connections they need to thrive in the gospel music industry and reach new heights in their calling.”

The competition will unfold as a live four-episode TV talent show, culminating in the grand finale on Sunday, August 4, as part of the Jamaica Praise event at the Independence Village, National Stadium Complex.

The first episode will air at 5:00 p.m. Subsequent episodes will air at 8:00 p.m. on Sundays on CVM Television and Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ) and streamed on the social media platforms of the JCDC.

Voting will begin after each episode and on the Reggae Jamaica Mobile App.