Top 10 finalists in the 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star Competition: (from left) Shaunette McPherson, Kenneka Last, Darren Grant, Shauna Kay McArthur, Robert Brodber, Terrica Price, Jayda Messam, Curtis Rhoden, Shauna Thomas and Donica Denise Chambers.
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Production Manager Andrea Hines McCurdy on Friday shared the exciting news that the winner of the 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star competition will receive a cash prize of $1 million.
“The winner will receive prizes including a single and music video mentored by a top Jamaican producer. The competition will be presented to a national audience where contestants will be able to showcase their talents on local television each week, as well as a wider international audience through the JCDC website and other social media platforms. The audience is made up of supporters and music lovers as well as influencers in the gospel music industry,” Hinz McCurdy said.
The tournament, which began in 2021, is now in its fifth season.
The JCDC indicated there were plans to step up enforcement this year, but the passage of Hurricane Beryl caused organizers to revert to their original model.
“Not much has changed since it was first introduced in 2021, except that last year we were able to perform our final show in front of an audience at Independence Village, and that will be the same this year. We had originally planned for it to be a five-week show, but the passage of Hurricane Beryl forced us to go back to the original template. This year we will also have a ‘Saved by Grace’ section, where contestants eliminated by the judges will have the opportunity to compete again,” Hinz McCurdy said.
This year’s competition features 10 talented finalists: Shaunette McPherson, Shauna Kay McArthur, Darren Grant, Terrica Price, Kenneka Rust, Robert “Brodba” Brodber, Donica Denise Chambers, Curtis Rhoden, Jayda Messam and Shauna Thomas.
Minister for Culture and Leisure Olivia “Bubsy” Grange expressed her excitement for this year’s competition, highlighting the exceptional talent.
“The 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star Competition is expected to bring together some of Jamaica’s best up-and-coming and accomplished singers in an exciting musical showdown. This year’s competition promises to be thrilling and fierce,” she said.
Jamaica Gospel Star continues the tradition of what was formerly known as the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition, which produced some of Jamaica’s best-known gospel hits, including Gracia Robinson’s “Hold My Hand Today,” Kevin Downswell’s “Praise,” Rubato Levy’s “More Blessings Again” and Levy’s Heritage’s “One Touch.”
“The JCDC Gospel Star Contest is more than just a music competition; it is a ministry that fosters the personal and professional growth of those who participate,” said Pastor Grange.
The 2024 competition is expected to be a transformative experience for the finalists as they network with gospel music professionals and gain valuable industry connections for mentorship and mentorship. Veteran vocalist and experienced vocal coach Alicia Taylor will serve as rehearsal coach, drawing on her experience supporting artists such as Jermaine Edwards and Rondell Positive, as well as leading worship with Worship and Faith International Fellowship.
The judging panel includes some of the biggest names in the industry, including Nadine Blair, John Mark Wigan, Ruth Brown, Jen Greaves and Leighton Jones, all of whom bring a wealth of expertise.
“Although Jamaica Gospel Star is organized as a competition, it is actually run as a ministry where finalists learn to balance their personal faith with public service,” explains Hinz-McCurdy, “The experience equips finalists with the tools and connections they need to succeed in the gospel music industry and reach new heights in their mission.”
The competition will unfold as an exciting four-episode live studio television talent show, returning on Sunday, July 14 at 5pm on CVM Television. The competition will culminate in a grand finale on Sunday, August 4, 2024, as part of the highly anticipated Jamaica Prize event, to be held at Independence Village, National Stadium Complex.
The series will also be simulcast on the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ) and streamed on JCDC’s social media platforms.
Telephone voting will open after the conclusion of each episode and on the free Reggae Jamaica mobile app, giving local and international audiences the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Jamaica’s gospel music landscape.
