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The JCDC Jamaica Children’s Gospel competition got
underway on May 20, with colourful presentations from over 200 young
performers ranging from ages six to fifteen. The programme began at 7 p.m.
sharp with the playing of the National Anthem and prayer to bless the
proceedings. Under the theme “Jubilee: First Fruit of Harvest”, the finalists
made their entrance on stage performing Father Holung’s version of This Is the
Year of Jubilee, much to the amazement of the gospel community who represented
in their numbers at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
While most of the performances were outstanding in
the choir categories, it was Hagley Park Preparatory School from Kingston who
claimed the title, with their version of Mighty God in the six to ten years
choir category whilst first timers Corinaldi Avenue Primary School from St.
James, placed second with their number Jesus Will Welcome Me. As defending
champions since 2010, Hagley Park Preparatory is the only school on record to
have won the same class and category consecutively in the history of the
competition. Ardenne High School was placed first ahead of Oracabessa High in
the 11-15 categories.
The Melody Sisters from St. Catherine are seasoned
performers in the competition having won the six to ten choir categories in
2010. However, the group entered the competition this year in the ensemble six
to ten section and was placed second to the Singing Jewels out of St. James,
who are returning champions from 2010. For the senior ensemble categories, it
was Sisters in Harmony who placed second to Fern Court High duet Abbie-Gaye and
Justin.
The event was at its peak when the highly
competitive solo category for juniors and seniors entered the stage. In the six
to ten categories, Ashleigh Cummings from the Willowdene Group of Schools was
placed second, while eight year old Remone Watson was placed first for his
beautiful take on Four Days Late. For the eleven to fifteen categories, seventh
grader Alex Anderson from the Ardenne High School won to Charles Blythe, who is
a self taught pianist and drummer hailing from the parish of Hanover.
Participants from schools, churches and
community groups across the country competed in the solo, choir and ensemble
categories for the six to ten and eleven to 15 categories. The first and second
place winners of the competition walked away with various prizes including
scholarship awards, gift packages, trophies and cash incentives. The event was
sponsored by Grace Tropical Rhythms, Tastee Cheese, Yummy Bakery, Grace
Frankfurters, Grace Cock Soup Mix, Kirk Distributors, PBCJ, Promobiz and Love
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