Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
Contestant in the JCDC Popular Song contest, Ian 'Purpose' Chang. - CONTRIBUTED
Over the next few weeks, The Gleaner will profile the contestants in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Popular Song contest, while The Sunday Gleaner takes a look at the past winners, beginning with Toots in 1966. Today, the first newcomer, Ian 'Purpose' Chang.
NOW THAT the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has gone back to being a popular song contest, the move has garnered the attention of quite a few budding stars.
One such aspirant is Ian 'Purpose' Chang.
The 26-year-old said the change is definitely welcomed.
With a 'Top 35' finish in 2004, Purpose has already bettered that feat by ending up in the top 10 this year.
"As a young artiste coming up, you have a love for the music. Based on the economical and financial thing going on right now ... yuh basically si seh things hard as a musician fi really mek it."
GOOD MEDIUM
He said he thought the popular song contest would be a good medium to get his name out there. He told The Gleaner that his song has nothing but positive message for the masses.
"Every song has a message but my songs a just positive message, songs that hopefully change the heart of mankind," he said.
'Purpose 'wrote the song he will be performing at the July 15 finale. He said his song not only mentions the crime and violence rampant in Jamaica but it queries when it will stop.
"Mi really want this song to touch the heart of the youts dem and mek dem understand seh there is a greater thing to crime and violence."
He said he got the inspiration for his song from God and other artistes like I-Wayne and Gyptian.
COMPETITION
He said the name "Purpose' came as a result of his struggle to find an appropriate stage name. He said his strong religious beliefs and his tendency to uplift young people caused his name to 'stick'.
When asked who is his biggest rival, he said, "Well the love strong in the camp right now."
However he said that good vibes were coming from Know What You Fighting For by Andre 'Vibrant' Johnson, Only Jah Know by the group A2'O' and Only if You Know by Ricardo 'Chicago' Gayle.
PRODUCERS' INTEREST
The Gleaner also took note of the effort 'Purpose' places on having his challengers interviewed. Could this be confidence or just simply comradeship?
It is no wonder most of the other contestants interviewed told The Gleaner that he was the man who could "give them a run."
"I would love to win. If I don't win, I would love to catch the eyes of some producers," 'Purpose' said.
While not divulging their names, he said he has already been approached by other producers because of the competition.
