Who are the Claro Festival contestants?

The Gleaner continues to acquaint our readers with the contestants in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Festival Song Competition. Look out for it!

Song title: 'Reggae Music'

Jermaine Blake started singing at age six in the Adventist church where he grew up. He later became the lead singer of the Oberlin High School Choir where he was involved in competitions such as the JCDC Festival of the Arts and the TVJ 'All Together Sing' choir competition.

In addition, he has also performed at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival as well as at the United States Embassy's 'Blues on the Green' in 2009 and 2010. Jermaine has also made multiple appearances on the Smile Jamaica morning show. A student at the Edna Manley School of Music, he is the proud recipient of two academic scholarships.

Jermaine's stage name in the competition is taken from the Mojahrock Band, for which he is the lead singer and composer. He also works with his family band called Total Five.

Jermaine says his musical icons include James Brown, Sam Cooke and Lucky Dube. He sees himself as an artiste poised to raise musical bars, and wants to become one of the greatest performers in history.

Vote for your favourite Festival Song

The public may text or call 444-3270 to vote for their favourite Festival Song. The number assignments are as follows:

Di Land We Love by Nikki Dillon - text '1' to 444-3270

Welcome to Jamaica by Marvillus - text '2' to 444-3270

Jamaica Deh Deh by Bello - text '3' to 444-3270

Zingy Zingy 2010 by Papa Whyte - text '4' to 444-3270

Island in the Sun by Petrol - text '5' to 444-3270

Jamaica Nice by Rock Irie — text '6' to 444-3270

My Jamaica by Kharuso — text '7' to 444-3270

Nuh Weh Nuh Betta by Deru - text '8' to 444-3270

Reggae Music by Mojahrock - text '9' to 444-3270

One Heart by Amique & Nazzle Man - text '10'- to 444-3270

Texts and calls cost $20. Service is provided by Claro and is available on all networks.