Persons interested in participating in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) 2017 Festival of the Performing Arts Competition, Jamaica Festival Song Competition and Jamaica Gospel Song and Children’s Gospel Song Competitions have until Friday, November 25 to submit their entries.
“Persons who are interested in participating in the 2017 National Festival of the Performing Arts Competition, Jamaica Festival Song Competition and Jamaica Gospel Song and Children’s Gospel Song Competition have until Friday, November 25, to submit their completed entry forms to their local JCDC Parish Office.” Stephen Davidson, Director of Marketing & Public Relations said. He continued “These four competitions are among some of our popular programmes and we expect the usual flood of talented entrants as we continue to unearth, develop and showcase what it is that Jamaicans have to offer.”
National Festival of the Performing Arts
Entries for the National Festival of the Performing Arts are being accepted in the areas of Speech, Drama, Music, Traditional Folk Forms and Dance. The competition is open to individual performers, schools, community groups, youth clubs, social clubs, performing arts clubs, churches as well as private and public sector groups.
Jamaica Festival Song Competition
Since its inception, the Jamaica Festival Song Competition has been a musical platform for cultural exposition and for entrants to make an indelible mark on Jamaica and the world. The chosen Festival Song will drive the National Independence Celebrations and provide a musical backdrop to this year’s celebrations, as such entries should encapsulate the Jamaican spirit, generate public interest and patriotism. Some past winners include: Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Decker, Eric Donaldson, Roy Rayon and Stanley Beckford.
Jamaica Gospel Song Competition:
Gospel music has been an essential part of Jamaica’s history and since the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition’s introduction 30 years ago; it has quickly become an iconic presentation of original gospel music in Jamaica. This competition has been challenging writers and vocalists to become the best new artist/writer of the year by expressing themselves through an original song, which may be from any genre of music that will spread the gospel. All applicants must be 16 years and older and be a resident of Jamaica.
Jamaica Children’s Gospel Song Competition:
The Jamaica Children’s Gospel Song Competition is open to children between the ages of 6-10 and 11-15 years, in three categories, solo, ensemble and choir. Entries are accepted from individuals, churches, schools and community groups and can either be covers or original songs.
“In addition to the invaluable experience and talent development offered by our competitions, entrants have the chance to win attractive prizes including cash incentives, trophies and gift packages in addition to the opportunity to perform at national and celebratory events and private functions.” Davidson further stated, noting that the JCDC is also currently staging rigorous development workshops and training sessions for participants aimed at improving the quality of their performances.
