The winners of the 2015 JCDC Jamaica Children’s Gospel Song were chosen recently after a ‘nail biting finish’ from the 24 competing finalists. The competition commence with a colourful presentations from the over 200 young performers ranging from ages six to 15. The event which is organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Youth & Culture was held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in celebration of Child Month.
Several of the children’s performances were outstanding but it was the adorable girls from the Harrison Memorial Preparatory school that stole the heart of the audience with their song, “You are the One That We Praise”. The group who entered the competition for the first time, won the 6-10 year old ensemble category. The other competing schools in this category were Mona Preparatory School, Mandeville Primary & Junior High School and another entry from the Harrison Memorial Preparatory School.
The highly anticipated solo category had the audience in high praises for both the 6-10 and the 11-15 year old categories. In the 6-10 category, Rhys McGowan of Alpha Primary emerged the winner with his entry entitled ‘Turn It Around’ while Gellissa Daley from the Rollington Town Primary School was placed second with her entry, ‘Four Days Late’. For the 11-15 category, Erica Lumsden from the Port Maria High & Preparatory School won with her performance entitled, ‘Still I Rise’.
The 6-10 year old Choir Category gave some enthusiastic performances from group but it was Mona Preparatory that outshone the others to won in this category with their song entitled ‘Chosen Generation’. Harrison Memorial Preparatory copped second place with, Breathe On Me’, ahead of Hagley Park Preparatory School and Woodford Preparatory School.
The Herbert Morrison Technical High School won the 11- 15 Ensemble Category with an excellent performance while the Port Maria High & Preparatory School cop second place with their song entitled ‘Testify’. The other competing schools in this category were Marymount High and the Papine High School.
The Papine High School delivered an exciting performance of ‘It’s Yours’ to win the Ensemble category of the 11-15 year olds. The Herbert Morrison Technical High School copped second place ahead of Port Antonio High and Titchfield High School.
Gospel powerhouse, Sister Patt brought the curtains down with an excellent performance. She had the audience on their feet in a high praise and worship session during her performance.
The JCDC Jamaica Children’s Gospel Song Competition is Jamaica’s premier gospel song contest for children, and continues to provide a platform for talent development and inspiration since its inception. The main sponsors include Grace Tropical Rhythms, Grace Frankfurters, Tastee Cheese, Excelsior, Sweetie, LOVE 101FM, TBC Radio, NCU Radio, and the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation.
