Who are the Claro Festival contestants ... Bello

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

Song title: 'Jamaican deh Deh'

Winston 'Bello' Bell is a versatile entertainer with over 20 years' experience in film, television and stage work, both locally and internationally.

He is considered one of the most talented actors in this country and has won several awards for his outstanding stagecraft, including multiple Best Actor awards at the secondary schools drama festival and three Actor Boy Awards.

Bello is also an accomplished stand-up comedian who has performed all across Jamaica, the Caribbean and the rest of the world as part of the once popular Bello & Blakka duo.

He is, however, not just a theatre artiste. A gifted singer, songwriter and musician, Bello plays guitar, drums and piano, and has worked as musical director on several theatrical productions. Bello was also a finalist in the 2005 JCDC Gospel Song Contest with his entry Be Still And Know.

Off the stage, Winston Bell is an ordained minister of religion. He is a co-founder, along with his wife, Joy, of the Time Out for Jesus Worldwide Ministries. He recently published a controversial but insightful book called Sex in the Church.

• 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.