Anthony Minott, Gleaner Writer

Rohan Clarke, winner of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Gospel Festival Finals at the National Indoor Sports Centre, St Andrew on Saturday. His entry was entitled 'By Faith'. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Rohan Clarke's faith earned him the top spot in this year's Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Gospel Song Final.

Clarke, who attends Mount Zion Sanctuary Assemblies of Jamaica in St Ann, was a crowd favourite with his entry 'By Faith' at the National Indoor Sports Centre, St Andrew on Saturday night.

The former 2004 entrant told The Gleaner how elated he was about the victory.

Awesome

"It's awesome ... it is by faith I knew I would have won this competition, and it is the work of the Lord," Clarke said.

The artiste said that he wanted to be like the men of old in the scriptures and added that it was by faith many people have achieved extraordinary feats.

When Clarke's entry, 'By Faith' was announced as the winning piece by MC Nadine Blair, his fans erupted as they rushed to the stage to salute their hero.

Clarke, the showman, 'dropped some legs' and had the audience singing, jumping and shouting with his refreshing performance.

For his efforts he won $500,000 and a recording contract for a single with Almond Productions.

First runner-up, Andrew Dixon, with his entry 'God is My Refuge' said that although he did not win he was still grateful.

Look out

"Look out Jamaica, I am coming at you," he said. He won $250,000 for his contribution.

Gamel Grant's 'Remember Heaven' took the second runner-up spot with $150,000 while Damion Bell won $50,000 with 'Let Us Pray'.

Prior to the announcements, Canada-based George Banton, a former lead singer of the Grace Thrillers, gave a masterful performance.

He reeled off a number of worship songs such as I'm Next In Line For My Blessing, My Jesus and I and John Saw Them Coming.

Earlier, Kevin Downswell, a past winner and DJ Nicholas added to the night's entertainment.

Downswell went into a string of worship songs such as Close To You and Shout.

DJ Nicholas had a high tempo set with Back 2 De Owna, Holy Ghost Church and God Man. He called Sister Judith Gayle on stage and they did a duet Can't Stop It, and Already Better.

The competition went under the theme: 'One God ... One family'.