JCDC extends deadlines for Jamaica 50 song competitions

The deadlines for the 2012 Jamaica Festival Song and Jamaica Gospel Song competitions have been extended to Tuesday, January 31.

The Jamaica Festival Song Competition is widely recognised on the Jamaican musical landscape as a major stepping stone in the careers of many prominent Jamaican artistes who have moved on to achieve successful musical careers and great international recognition.

Today, the Jamaica Festival Song Competition is on a new mission to re-engage young, talented Jamaicans to create songs that invoke a spirit of celebration with international appeal and relevance for the celebration of Jamaica's 50th anniversary.

The Festival Song Competition can be described as the greatest mechanism for musical expression of national patriotism, born out of the merging of songwriters, singers and producers. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission has brought creative musical products to the forefront of the Jamaican people since 1966 and will continue to do so with an even bigger 'bang' for this significant year in Jamaica's history.

Highlighting indigenous talent

The Jamaica Gospel Competition was introduced by the JCDC in 1987, as the commission pursued its vision of unearthing, developing and showcasing the best of Jamaican culture and extending this pursuit to the popular area of gospel.

The competition quickly became an iconic presentation of indigenous gospel music in Jamaica. Since inception, it has attracted numerous artistes, producers and songwriters of original gospel music each year.

The 2012 finalists in both the Festival Song and Gospel Song competitions will be involved in the production of musical albums and an opportunity to work with professionals within the music industry. In addition, finalists will also benefit from increased marketing and public relations support to be provided by the commission for the celebration of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence celebrations.

Over the years, the festival and gospel song competitions have been a part of the popular-music landscape through artistes like Ernie Smith, Lubert Levy, George Gordon, Toots Hibbert, Glacia Robinson, Bescenta, Kevin Downswell, Khago, Keron Ennis and Ieye.

Entry forms for the 2012 competitions, along with the relevant rules, are available at the JCDC Head Office located at 3-5 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10, all JCDC parish offices islandwide and online at www.jcdc.gov.jm.