THE official launch of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Popular Song CD introduced the 10 finalists and cuts from their songs at Christar Villas, Kingston, last Friday.
The 10 finalists are Bayaford Gwan go Wok; Barry and Friends Proud to be Jamaican; Donnette Townsend Land of the Kings and Queens; Errol and Juwse The Best Recipe; AY2 Feel the Breeze; Roy Richards Lift Up Jamaica; Stamma T Love Jamaica; The Potential Crew Say it out Loud; The Marlons Fe We Time and Time and Space Get Up and Move.
This year's Popular Song Competition has seen some new faces and this is good for the competition, according to Marcia Hextall, JCDC's Executive Director. "People of the younger generation are looking forward to this competition to expose their talent," Ms. Hextall said.
Desmond Young, President of the Jamaica Federation of Musician (JFM), was happy that the competition has attracted new and vibrant people.
"There are some fresh voices and good arrangements. So, it should be a very interesting competition as there are at least five very good songs," Mr. Young said.
Turning to the absence of the traditional competitors like The Astronauts, The Silvertones and Stanley Beckford who won last year's competition, Mr. Young said although they will be missed the new faces should be better for the growth of the competition.
Michael Nicholson, co-ordinator of the National Popular Song Competition, spoke highly of the standard of this year's competition.
Describing the lyrics as uplifting to the nation Mr. Nicholson said: "so many of this year's songs talks about the pride and joy of being a Jamaican and the importance of working together to achieve success, this is such an encouraging message."
The occasion also saw the introduction of major sponsors of the competition which includes Tastee Limited, Christar Villas, Laparakan Shipping and Worldtron. Sharon Bailey, marketing manager of Tastee Limited said her company has been a major sponsor for the Popular Song Competition for the past 17 years.
In a couple of weeks, the popular songs will be aired on radio as well and the videos will be shown on television.
The competition will be going across the island in a lead up to the finals, which will be held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Saturday, July 28.
