Gospel Spotlight: 2020 Jamaica Gospel Song top 10 finalists chosen

The 2020 Jamaica Gospel Song Competition has selected its top 10 finalists who will compete at the competition's grand final during the national Independence celebrations in August.

The finalists were chosen from the top 26 semi-finalists from across the island at the competition's semi-final concert, held on Ash Wednesday, February 26, at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre on Hope Road, St Andrew.

The chosen finalists are Deon McDonald of St Mary with God You Are Real, Father Reece of St Catherine with Satan Gu Weh, David Sutton of St Elizabeth with Our Response, Sheri-Gaye Johnson of Clarendon with I Will Worship, Nadine Torey and Euphoria group of Manchester with Ambushed, and Live Today, respectively; Oliver Ashley with No Bargain. Others include Treisha Williams from St James with One Dose of Holy Ghost; and Martanek Phipps with Ye Who's Without Sin and Offneil Lamont with Forever God will represent Kingston and St Andrew.

"This year's impressive crop of semi-finalists each brought something extra to the competition in their own unique and specially anointed way; it was difficult for the judges to select the best 10," said Andrea McCurdy, events coordinator, national religious services and projects at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.

"The finalists will now begin preparation for their journey to the finals, which will include voice, music and industry-based developmental workshops, recording the finalists' albums, and performances and outreach across the island," she said.

McCurdy further stated that the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition facilitates the growth of its participants in the gospel music industry and continues to provide opportunities, both locally and internationally, for persons who have entered, even those who were not the winner on the final night.

The competition, since its inception in 1987, has become an iconic presentation of indigenous gospel music in Jamaica.

It attracts more than 200 artistes, producers and writers of original gospel music each year.

This competition is also seen as another avenue for the unearthing and growth of writers, and vocalists, through training with the best within the industry.