Gospel Minister Kevin Downswell led the nation in prayer and praise at Festival Song Finals

BY RUSHANE FERRON

International recording gospel artist, Minister Kevin Downswell brought his unique blend of music and ministry to the Jamaica Festival Song Competition finals and results show last Saturday, July 13^th, 2024, at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College in St Andrew.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sport, Honourable Olivia Grange, OJ, CD, MP, announced last Tuesday that Downswell, known for his powerful singles such as “You Make Me Stronger,” “If It’s Not You,” and “Carry Me,” will be a special addition to the entertainment lineup. Downswell will lead a moment of praise and thanksgiving as the nation continues to provide solace for our countrymen who were negatively affected by Hurricane Beryl on July 3^rd, 2024.

Downswell saw this as an opportunity to invoke the presence of the Almighty, emphasizing that despite the damage and dislocation caused by the hurricane, there is still much to be grateful for. “We have gone through something that could have been much worse. My heart goes out to my fellow Jamaicans who were impacted by the hurricane. I want to bring a spirit of gratitude and encourage people to find a way to give thanks.,” said Downswell.

A $3-million cash prize awaited the winning entry of the 2024 Festival Song Competition. Minister Grange added that many of the songs in this year’s finals do in fact offer hope and speaks to the resilience of the Jamaican people, messages that are very uplifting in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“So many Jamaicans have been affected by Hurricane Beryl. The timing of this results show is perfect as it gives Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, the opportunity to give thanks and celebrate who we are as a people. The winning song for 2024 will now become part of the soundtrack for the year Hurricane Beryl swept through our island,” said the Minister.

This year’s top ten songs were: “Proud Jamaican” by Auraiya Hope, “Fi Mi Island Home” by Sister Novelette, “Jamaica is a Big Brand” by TrishMaq, “#One Jamaica” by Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs, “Jamaica Jamaica” by Trisstar, “We are Jamaicans” by Pepita, “Jah Love this Land” by Lex M.D, “Waa Back Jamaica” by Renzzah, “Better Jamaica” by Reggae Maxx, and “Sweet Jamaica” by Casey Donaldson.

Executive Director of the JCDC Lenford Salmon made a special appeal for Jamaicans to come out in their numbers to demonstrate the pride and resilience of the Jamaican people. He reminded the public that Saturday’s show, like all JCDC-organized independence events, was free to the public. He also gave a hint about what patrons could expect on Saturday. “The show was staged in two segments. For openers, the contestants performed a medley of popular festival songs from past years before returning to perform their entries. These performances, combined with Kevin Downswell’s ministry, great sound, lighting, and staging, created a fantastic musical experience. It was a win-win situation for both the audience and the finalist who emerged victorious,” said Salmon.

He also reminded the public to vote for their favorite entry using the assigned vote numbers or by downloading the Reggae Jamaica App. Public votes were contributed to 25% of the contestants’ final scores. The voting lines closed at noon on Saturday.

For those unable to attend in person, the results were shown during a broadcast live on Television Jamaica (TVJ) and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ). The show was also be streamed on the JCDC’s website and YouTube page. Live updates were available on the social media pages of: the JCDC, the Honourable Minister Olivia Grange, and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.