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Talent galore!

Published:Tuesday | April 26, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Nine-year-old Joshua Lewis, a student at the Mona Preparatory School, shows his medal and trophy for earning top honours in one of the solo categories at this year's finals. Looking on is GraceKennedy's brand manager, Nicholas Bramwell. - Contributed
Jamielle Gilman, 2010 Children's Gospel Song competition winner. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
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Brilliance, skill showcased at JCDC Children's Gospel finals

MORE THAN 180 youth gospel ambassadors demonstrated the true meaning of 'Walking in Authority, Living in Prosperity' as they took centre stage at the ninth annual National Children's Gospel Song Competition at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre last Sunday.

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), in association with Grace Tropical Rhythms, hosted the grand finals where performers from ages six to 15 in the categories of solo, ensembles and choirs, ministered to the audience.

The opening presentation, choreographed by Djenne Greaves, paved the way for an exciting evening filled with glorious praise.

Backed by the Atomic Family Band, the 2010 junior solo winner, Jamielle Gilman, led the six to 10-year-old tiny tots as they belted out the competition's theme Walking in Authority, Living in Prosperity through song.

soulful renditions

Thereafter, the 11-15 performers, led by 2010 intermediate solo winner Malika James, upped the ante with the soulful rendition of Yes You Can. Divided into age categories, the performers then ascended into what resembled heaven, to deliver their entries.

The Titchfield High and Hagley Park Preparatory schools dominated the choir categories, while the Papine High School and Tomlinson Christian Academy led the ensemble category.

The highly competitive solo categories saw nine-year-old Joshua Lewis, a student at the Mona Preparatory School, and 11-year-old Bradley Sutherland, a student at the Chapelton All-Age School, taking the top positions.

Awards for original entries were presented to Bunny Rose, who penned the song performed by Leon-St John Thompson of May Day High School, Death of Death.

Out of the parish of St Ann, Tamara Wright was awarded for the song titled Send Down Your Love, performed by Tomlinson Christian Academy.

The JCDC hosts the National Children's Gospel Song Competition each year to help unearth young gospel singers, and develop and showcase Jamaican talent in the gospel and inspirational song ministry.