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The rebranded Jamaica Gospel Star Competition has this year provided an opportunity for participants to expand their repertoire in gospel music while showcasing their talents to Jamaicans locally and in the Diaspora.

The competition, which previously focused on original talent, has now evolved since its first staging in 1987 to include a wider range of musical genres.

Communications and entertainment provider, Flow Jamaica is the technology partner for the competition, providing the official platform for voting as well as a smartphone and data plan for the first place winner.

“We are mindful of the importance of this annual event to Jamaicans locally and in the Diaspora. We therefore saw the competition as an opportunity to contribute to the development of local talent while enabling the progress of aspiring Jamaicans and promoting the entertainment value of the competition,” said Sara Martins de Oliveira, senior marketing director at Flow Jamaica.

Following a series of pre-recorded performance/elimination shows, the grand prize winner will be selected from among the top five finalists on Emancipation Day (August 1) at 6pm. 

The top five were identified following the performance/elimination shows. They are:

1. Ornela (Unleashing Purpose Ministries) – Vote 444-4211
2. Daynea Deacon Jones (The New Testament Assembly) – Vote 444-4213
3. Erica Lumsden (Clermont SDA) – Vote 444-4216
4. Daron Mitchell (Family, Word and Worship) – Vote 444-4218
5. Malika James (Wesleyan Holiness Church) – Vote 444-4217

To support their favourite contestant, persons may text the word VOTE to the number associated with each of the five finalists. Voting for the winner opened on July 25 and will close on August 1 at 4 pm.

According to Marjorie Leyden-Kirton, acting executive director at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, the agency is excited to partner with Flow for the rebranded event.

“The aim of this competition is to highlight upcoming Jamaican Gospel artistes on a national stage and give them an opportunity to take their music to the world; and we couldn’t imagine partnering with a better communications company to achieve this. The Jamaican public can now take their support of their favourite 2021 Gospel Star contestant to a new level by voting for their preferred winner, all courtesy of Flow,” said Leyden-Kirton.

The grand finale is being held virtually this year, based on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in keeping with the required protocols. The final show may be viewed via the following channels:

• CVM TV
• JCDC Website – www.jcdc.gov.jm
• JCDC Facebook page – Jamaica Cultural Development Commission,
• JCDC YouTube page – JCDC Jamaica1

The 2020 winner was Treisha Williams with her entry titled, One Dose.