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National pride on show at Grand Gala

August 08, 2023
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Festival Song competition veteran Roy Rayon delves into his catalogue.
Festival Song competition veteran Roy Rayon delves into his catalogue.
Kamo Henry shows off her custom-made Grand Gala outfit.
Kamo Henry shows off her custom-made Grand Gala outfit.
Dancers entertain the gathering.
Dancers entertain the gathering.
Fireworks light up the sky at the Grand Gala on Sunday.
Fireworks light up the sky at the Grand Gala on Sunday.
Members of the combined cadets group in performance.
Members of the combined cadets group in performance.
Songbird Alaine performs at the Grand Gala.
Songbird Alaine performs at the Grand Gala.
Former Digicel Rising Stars winner Shuga doing her thing.
Former Digicel Rising Stars winner Shuga doing her thing.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) and wife Juliet (centre) share lens time with Culture Minister Olivia Grange.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) and wife Juliet (centre) share lens time with Culture Minister Olivia Grange.
Grand Gala patrons having a great time.
Grand Gala patrons having a great time.
Ding Dong and the Ravers Clavers bring the energy to the Grand Gala.
Ding Dong and the Ravers Clavers bring the energy to the Grand Gala.
Miss Universe Jamaica Toshami Calvin strikes the pose.
Miss Universe Jamaica Toshami Calvin strikes the pose.
Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2023 Aundrene Cameron is looking beautiful.
Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2023 Aundrene Cameron is looking beautiful.
Newly crowned 2023 Festival Song winner Slashe reps for the ‘black, green and gold’.
Newly crowned 2023 Festival Song winner Slashe reps for the ‘black, green and gold’.
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The colours, black, green and gold were bright and bold on display on Sunday as thousands of persons, carrying their flags and vuvuzuelas, showed up at the National Stadium for Grand Gala, the Jamaica 61 Independence celebrations staged by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

The stage was set for an entertaining showcase that involved costumed and uniformed groups, who displayed Jamaican culture in music, drama and song, as well as performances by popular entertainers such as Ding Dong and Valiant and Festival Song Competition winners Slashe, Shuga and Exco Levi.

Sibling reggae group Morgan Heritage was presented with the Jamaica Reggae Icon Award for their contribution to Jamaican music, while Machel Montano, Trinidad and Tobago's soca king, received the Key to the city of Kingston.

JCDC brought back the 300 drones display from last year, which created much excitement. Brilliant fireworks lit up the sky at minutes to 10 p.m., signalling the show's end.

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