Singer Irie takes on Jamaica song competition
While growing up in Waterhouse, Singer Irie was a huge fan of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Festival Song competition.
“Festival was my time of the year. I was very much into it and I always loved the songs and what they stood for. Eric Donaldson’s Cherry Oh Baby is my alltime favourite,” he shared.
The New Jersey resident has now thrown his hat into the ring for the 2022 staging of the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition, which is open to people who are Jamaicans or of Jamaican heritage who reside overseas. Singer Irie is one of the 12 entrants; his selection is titled Mama Jamaica.
“The reason why I sing the song is because I think Jamaica is like a mother and how welcoming it is to everyone with a smile. The treatment we give to our visitors and Jamaicans on a whole is like a mother taking care of her child. I wrote the song and it was produced by Young Lion Entertainment,” said Singer Irie.
He said that with Jamaica celebrating its diamond jubilee this year, it was fitting for him to be a part of the celebrations by entering the competition.
“I hope to achieve the joy of being a part of a wonderful celebration. What I enjoy most is the love that I am getting and the joy I feel by giving my talent to a worthy cause,” he said.
The grand final of the competition is scheduled for July 31 in Atlanta, Georgia. First place receives US$8,000.
Singer Irie began his career by honing his skills on Jamaican sound systems, including Black Scorpio, Cave Man International, Creation and Youthman Promotion.