St Bess music teacher wins gospel song competition

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

On an evening that seemed to be favoured by God, as was demonstrated by the fine weather, Ann Marie Laing was declared the winner of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC)/Grace Tropical Rhythms Jamaica Gospel Song Competition 2010 Finals.

Dressed in full black, a happy Laing told The Gleaner that the lyrics for her song, I Can Trust God, were inspired by two sermons titled 'You Can Trust God' and 'You Can Trust God Again'. While she only took 15 minutes to write I Can Trust God, she imagines that her first gospel album, to be written in collaboration with the other finalists, might take some more time. Laing is a music teacher in St Elizabeth.

Lee Roy 'Ancient Priest' Johnson was second with his entry My Prayer, produced by William Barclay, and Tiffany Hall, third with her Courick Clarke-produced Lost Without You. Both Johnson and Hall are from the parish of Manchester.

The highly-charged, church-like final was held on Sunday at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.

The singing of Jamaica's national anthem, a prayer, a brief welcome, a video presentation and performances by three guest artistes, Gamel Grant, Ryan Mark and Evangelist Sandra Brooks, were all peripheral to the double performances of the 10 finalists, including Omar Douglas, Murron Lindo, the Micah Ministry duo, Miriam Levy, Raylene Lindo, Terrence Myers and God Son (Jason Lunan).

Great talent

In the introductory appearance, each contestant performed songs of local and international artistes such as Prodigal Son and Shirley Caesar. The performances in this section were just okay: but performing their entry songs, the contestants brought their talent to the fore.

Perhaps motivated by the desire to win and a passion to minister, they all gave very convincing performances and belted out well thought out lyrics, accompanied by beautifully arranged music.

Dancers, costumes and the occasional props were used to enhance the performances.

When the sectional prizes were announced, it was clear who the top two would be.

Best Arranged Song was a tie between Laing and Ancient Priest for their entries I Can Trust God and My Prayer. Laing was also awarded Best Performer, and the finalists chose her to receive the award for the Person Who Displayed Spirit of Praise, while Ancient Priest received the award for Best Lyrics.

More competition

But, did the judges get it right? Yes, seemed to be the answer, as there were no objections from the supporters of the other finalists.

Andrew Lawrence, one of the adjudicators, said choosing the winner was not difficult for him. Laing got the edge because of her interpretation of the song, the song's Biblical lyrics, and her use of the stage. Shanette Bailey, a member of the audience, thought it was a good show. According to her, the performers were more competitive this year when compared to last.

The 2010 edition of the competition also had a new element.

The finalists' visits to two children's homes, Windsor Child Care Centre in St Ann and Hanbury Children's Home in Manchester, were shown via a video presentation.

Grace Silvera, executive director of JCDC, explained that the commission wanted to go beyond the ambits of the competition.

"The outreach ministry component spiritually touched the lives of the contestants," she said.

Emcees Nadine Blair and Markland Edwards were wonderful; Sandra Brooks and Ryan Mark were powerful in their ministering through songs and their testimony.