National Festival Song Competition is part of an effort by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission “to enhance national development through cultural practices by creating opportunities that unearth, develop, preserve and promote creative talents and expressions of the Jamaican people” and “to recapture and recreate feelings of excitement and patriotism that were once associated with Independence celebrations in Jamaica.” The year-long competition aims to identify a new and original song that is reflective of the spirit of the Jamaican people. Translating Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange’s remarks about Festival Song 2K9, “vibe-master” Jerry D explains that that Grange is expecting a song that will “rock the nation.”
After a series of elimination sessions and events that have been held across the island since June, the festival will culminate on July 18. The islanders will get a chance to see the top 10 performers through the “I Believe in Jamaica” road show series that started on July 4, 2009, stopping at the Spanish Town Bus Terminus, downtown Kingston, and Yallahs Square, St Thomas. On Friday, July 10, the stops are in Buff Bay, Portland, at 11am, Gayle Square, St. Mary, at 2pm, and Brown’s Town, St. Ann, at 5:30pm. There will also be road shows on Saturday, July 11, Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18. The final show is on Sunday, July 18, in Junction, St. Elizabeth, at 8pm.
The Festival Song Competition since 1966 has been recognized as the first step in the careers of many prominent Jamaican artists who have gone on to international success. The competition over the years has become a showground for aspiring artists, songwriters, and producers to showcase their talents.
For full article and details on participating singers and their contributions, see http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090705/ent/ent12.html
For more information and schedule of events, see http://www.jcdc.org.jm/index.php
Photo of finalists Jacqueline Pennant (aka Pretty Rebel) and Oba Simba from http://jis.gov.jm/special_sections/festival2k9/finalist-1.html
