The semi-final round of the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition which is set for Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016 promises patrons an exciting and memorable show. This competition which is organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Youth & Culture, will see the 35 semi-finalists from across the island compete for a top ten spot at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre at 35 Hope Road, Kingston 10, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

At the close of the competition last month, hundreds of entries were received from across the island from persons looking to become the Next JCDC Gospel Star and after four highly competitive regional auditions and eliminations the most impressive 35 contestants are now eager to out shine each other as they are whittled down to the cream-of-the-crop, top 10.

According to Stephen Davidson, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the JCDC, “This year’s impressive crop of semi-finalists have each brought something extra to the competition in their own unique way. This concert will definitely be a show persons will be disappointed if they miss.”
Davidson continued, “The JCDC Jamaica Gospel Song competition continues to provide opportunities both locally and internationally for a lot persons who have entered this competition even those who were not the winner on the final night.”

Davidson also highlighted the fact that outside of the musical and personal development of the contestants, another aspect of the programme includes the finalists participating in an outreach programme. The JCDC is therefore encouraging the public to take non-perishable food, clothes, toys and books to the semifinal so that they may be donated to children in state care facilities.

Tickets for Wednesday’s Semi- Final round, which takes the form of a concert will be available at the gate- adult tickets cost $300 while tickets for children under 12 are $100. Along with the 35 semi-finalists, the evening will feature a guest performance by the “Reggae Worshipper”, Rondell Positive.

The Jamaica Gospel Song Competition since its inception in 1987 has since become an iconic presentation of indigenous gospel music in Jamaica and attracts over 200 artistes, producers and writers of original gospel music each year. This competition is also seen as another avenue for the unearthing and growth of writers, and vocalists through training with the best within the industry.