5 Questions With ... Gospel Star Jaida Messam
Published:Friday | August 9, 2024 | 12:08 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
On Sunday, Jaida Messam convincingly beat out all competition to become the fourth winner of the prestigious Jamaica Gospel Star Competition, and the vocal powerhouse is clothed in humility as she “gives God all the praises”.
The finale and gospel praise concert, which was held at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, saw impressive performances from the final five of the original 10 contestants in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC’s) competition. Among the five were Shauna-Kaye McArthur, Kenneka Rust, Darren Grant, Donica Dennis Chambers and Messam. A delighted Messam – a policewoman attached to Area 1 – walked away with a cash prize of $1 million, as well as a single and music video to be produced under the guidance of top producers in Jamaica.
Born and raised in St James, Messam has been singing in her Seventh-day Adventist church since childhood, and represented her schools, Irwin Primary and St James High, at the annual JCDC competitions, where she won several medals as a soloist and choir member. One of the outstanding songs in her catalogue is a cover of Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up.
This week, F ive Questions With... got up close with the 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star.
What has been the journey to stardom like?
To be honest, the journey has been quite challenging ... travelling twice per week back and forth from St James to Kingston, and sometimes three times. But guess what? The sacrifice turned out to be good.
Why did you enter the JCDC Gospel Star Competition this year?
I love singing. My Mom says that since age three I have been singing non-stop. But really, it was the encouragement from my friends who work at the JCDC branch in Montego Bay that did it. They put a lot of effort into it until I decided to try it and I must say that it has been a great experience.
Did you ever, at any point, entertain the thought of being a Gospel Star?
Well ... this is my first time entering this competition, but I’ve been entering Children’s Gospel since age eight and I have entered JCDC Festival Queen competition. I used to look at this competition a few times, but it never really got my attention. I don’t know why. Probably because I told myself that I didn’t have the time for this right now.
Did the JCF support you on your journey?
Oh yes! The JCF has highlighted me and I thank them so much for their support. I have been serving for three years. I enjoy being a police officer. There are so many persons out there who tend to be anti-police ... but there are a lot of good police officers within the Jamaica Constabulary Force. It is also a great medium for spreading the word of God. A big thank you to the Montego Bay Police Station and to Inspector Byron Lewis and Sergeant K. Brown and the entire team ... my entire Batch 134 Wakanda Forever. That’s my name from training school because I was a drill commander ... Batch 134 Forever.
Would you encourage persons to enter, and what is your takeaway?
Yes, I would encourage persons to enter. There is growth vocally .... any failing or weakness you have vocally, this is the place to be. This is a musical door opening for you and it also gives you exposure for your ministry.
My best takeaway is being myself and letting God lead me. Throughout all of this, I asked God to manifest Himself within my ministry so that I can execute his work. In order for you to be successful in your ministry, you have to ask God to intervene ‘cause trust me, it nah go work out any other way.
BRAWTA:
Moving forward, will you be focusing entirely on singing, and what was it like being coached and sharing stage with Kevin Downswell?
Probably in the near future I will focus more on being a minister. I have been balancing work and the ministry and I am loving it and it’s good. I think this is what God called me to do. I will have singles out and I am going places ... and the places I want to go are unthinkable.
It was breathtaking singing with Kevin Downswell. I have always listened to him and watched him, but to have an actual connection with him was memorable. He’s an excellent singer and an excellent coach. He said to me, ‘You can follow instructions well.’ But what he didn’t know is that I am a police officer and my job entails listening and taking instructions.