Lubert Levy performing his winning song at the JCDC Gospel Song finals
-Winston Sill photo
Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
"Mi start pray again
Mi prayer start answer again
Mi an' Jesus tun back frien again-"
THIS IS indeed representative of how Lubert Levy felt last Sunday evening when he walked away, winner of the Grace Tropical Rhythms 2004 JCDC Gospel Song finals, staged on the West lawns of Kings House.
It was indeed a spirited and energy-filled contest, as all ten finalists gave an extremely good account of themselves on stage, some going the extra mile of having back-up singers, dancers and other accomplices during their performances, as they rocked away to some vibrant background rhythms courtesy of the Katalys Crew.
MCs Nadine Blair of Love 101 FM and Tony Young, Klas FM, had their work cut out, as they managed to keep the show running amidst the pot-banging, whistle-blowing, banner-bearing patrons, who did everything that was legally possible in their power to show much love and support for their favourite acts as they took to the stage.
AFTER INTERMISSION
After an initial showing on stage by the ten finalists, the group N'Voy was first to retake the stage after the intermission, doing their entry song, 'Fall on me'. Following right after was Gary Campbell with his song, 'Ballad of a prodigal', then Lisa Johnson with 'Wings around my heart'.
Yvette Vassell-Webb then did 'He loves me so'. She was followed by Andrea Nelson with 'Pray', Rohan and the melody makers did 'Satan's kingdom', Raquel Hinds 'In the midst of your storm', Jabez with 'Island healing', Nichole Crawford with 'Take my heart' and Levy with his song, 'More blessings again'.
It was crazy crowd response from the audience where some of these contestants and their songs were concerned, and it was clear that some contestants were already clear favourites.
As the judges took their time to deliberate the final results, however, patrons were kept entertained to some lively performances from the likes of international gospel artiste George Banton from Toronto, Canada. He did a few renditions like 'If I'm too high, then Jesus bring me down', 'Just got to Heaven and I can't sit down' and 'I'm next in line'.
Following his performance was Kevin Downswell, another rising star who emerged winner of the 2003 JCDC Gospel Song finals. He gave a few of his own renditions, including his popular song entitled, 'Praise'. It was now winding down to the final announcements of the winner and runners-up of the 2004 Gospel Song competition. Just before the announcements, however, the ten finalists were presented with medals, bibles and gift baskets for the participation in the competition and reaching thus far.
At exactly 9:50 p.m., it was time for the curtains to come down. Winning a cash prize and the Sam Wisdom trophy for most outstanding performer was Rohan Clarke of Rohan and the Melody Makers and this to the crowd's delight was the obvious pick.
Third place went to three-time entrant, Jabez, for his song, 'Island healing' and second spot was claimed by Rohan and the Melody Makers for their song, 'Satan's kingdom'. But at the end of the night it was Levy who walked away with the top spot as he was crowned winner of the Grace Tropical Rhythms 2004 JCDC Gospel Song finals.
The night was truly a display of talented performers from across the island, and persons will undoubtedly be looking towards the gospel finals next year.
