Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Adam Feanny, last year's winner, was a dynamic guest performer at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's National Children's Gospel Song Festival Finals, held at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road, on Sunday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE JAMAICA Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) mission is to unearth talent in Jamaica. They seemed to have done just that with the talents of Adam Feanny. The 9-year-old student of Mount St. Joseph Preparatory in Mandeville, seemed well on his way to being a consummate performer.
Feanny was one of the guest performers in this year's National Children's Gospel Song Competition. He had been last year's winner of the soloist category of the competition and returned this year along with two additional guest artistes, Kerron Ennis and DJ Nicholas. The three performers added to the high spirits which reigned for most of the night at the fourth annual staging of the competition at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road.
PINT-SIZED ENTERTAINER
He performed just before the intermission and came to the stage calling on the power of fire. As the audience railed at his arrival, he yelled "Puuuull Up!" then declared, "Oonu affi wait until mi release my album,"
Instead they would have to settle for his winning song from last year, You're My Brother. "Is only one thing that concern me," declared the pint-sized entertainer by way of introduction to his song "and is all the crime that is going on."
The quality of the song itself was far outweighed by the strength of Feanny's performance as he danced and charmed the audience with his dynamic delivery.
Ennis and DJ Nicholas performed while the judges were in deliberation. Ennis soon had a small crowd gathered and dancing in ecstasy before the stage while others danced before their seats. Her set was intent on calling on the strength of God to both survive in spite of the violence gripping the country as well as to turn that tide of violence around.
Joy did not reign the entire night, however, as some audience members displayed great displeasure over two of the results. The audience seemed to disagree with the judges choice of second place winner in the 11 years and under soloist category. Many believed that Oshin Levy of St. Catherine had earned first place.
JUDGES HAVE THE LAST SAY
However, the judges determined that she was the second place winner while Tabrika Francis of Hemmingaye Preparatory (St. James) copped third place and Gavin Proshe of the Port Antonio Theatre Group (Portland) was declared the winner of the segment, earning among other prizes a two year scholarship of $100,000.00 from Love FM.
Sheldon Anderson of St. Catherine, who was awarded a two year scholarship from Love FM earned first place in the 15 years and under soloist category. Jasmine Taylor took third place and Lenya Wilks earned second place in this category.
In the ensemble category Anointed by Christ (Kingston and St. Andrew) took third place while Harrison Vocals (St. James) earned second and Acapella Boyz (St. Catherine) earned first place. Interestingly as the Acapella Boyz were also from Willowdene Preparatory, that school won two categories as they earned first place in the choir category. Boundbrook Primary (Portland) earned second place and House of Praise (Westmoreland) earned third place among the choirs.
