The Jamaica Festival Song Competition, which has over the years had its fair share of ups and downs, is today being described as “on the rebound” after reggae artiste Stacious took home to the award for top song in the 2021 edition on Thursday night’s (July 22)

Stacious, whose given name is Stacey Scarlett Bryan, won for her entry, Jamaican Spirit, and collected a cheque for $3 million for her efforts.

The cheque was presented by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange and Digicel Brand Marketing Manager Reshima Kelly-Williams, during a virtual presentation show.

In a pre-recorded message, Grange said of the competition, which celebrated its 55th anniversary this year: “Over the years, it has had some glorious moments and then at times it has had its bad moments, but I would say that it’s on the rebound.”

While noting some of the innovations from the organisers, she pointed out that many performers have benefited “tremendously” and have launched their careers after participating in the competition.

“The potential and possibilities are awesome… what we have done is to prepare these songs and provide these songs to the world, so that they can be exploited in the interest of those who have participated in the competition,” she added.

Second place went to Kevaughn ‘DB’ Scott with his song Love Jamaica My Land, while Dwight ‘Tamo J’ Allen was third with Real Talk (Jamrock).

Other finalists in the competition were Desmond Boyd (Rumba Box), Lloyd Reece (Jamaicans Talawah), Grub Cooper (Unwind), Kimiela Isaacs (Birthday Bash JA), Anthony Martin (Jah Mek Yah), Errol Graham (Sweet Jamaica), Everton Pessoa (Celebration), Althea Hewitt (Jamaica Nice) and I-Octane (Land We Love).

The competition was staged as a virtual event this year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the ban on large public gatherings to contain the spread of the virus. It included the pre-recorded video presentation highlighting the history of the competition, with snippets of quotes from late former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, who was instrumental in starting the Festival Song contest.

Grange said when the competition was first conceptualised by Seaga, it was intended to galvanise a sense of nationality and celebrate Jamaica’s culture.

“He wanted a song that would be on the lips of every man, woman and child and one that would bring the nation together. It was a call to action,” she said.

During the show, there was also a special tribute to international superstar and national Festival Song icon, Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, who died earlier this year.

During the show, there was also a special tribute to international superstar and national Festival Song icon, Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, who died earlier this year.