Record number of female finalists in Jamaica Festival Song Competition

For the first time in the nearly 60-year history of the Jamaica Festival Song Competition, an unprecedented number of females have been chosen as finalists. Of the 10 finalists, six are women.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange announced last Friday that 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); and Pepita (W e are Jamaicans).

The four male finalists are Lex M.D. ( Jah Love this Land); Renzzah ( Waa Back Jamaica); Reggae Maxx ( Better Jamaica); and 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 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (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 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 focused 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 said.

“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,” 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 10 finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their songs to the nation through various platforms, including live performances and media appearances. The winner will earn the prestigious title, a place in Jamaica’s rich musical legacy, and walk away with the cash prize of a whopping $3 million.

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 June 27, and will close on the evening of the Festival Song Results Show at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on July 13.

Organised by the JCDC, the Jamaica Festival Song Competition is a prestigious platform that showcases the musical talents of both professional and aspiring artistes, songwriters, and producers. It serves as a flagship programme for Jamaica’s annual Independence celebrations.