British High Commission hosts song contest
The British high Commission in Jamaica will stage its second Songs of the UK in Ja competition, which invites Jamaican citizens, aged 18 years and over, who reside in Jamaica, to enter the contest by performing a song by a UK artiste or group.
The submission of entries to the competition opened yesterday and and closes on Monday, January 28.
The British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Asif Ahmad said: “Jamaica has a lot of musical talent. If you look back at those who attained global status, all of them did so with breakthroughs in the British music market. We want to see a new generation of Jamaican singers achieving success and recognition”.
Mikey Bennett, music producer, who will be a judge for the second time, said that the competition provides an opportunity for talented singers to be discovered and showcased.
“I am looking forward to spotting which talented Jamaican singer will be discovered through this year’s competition,” the veteran music producer and noted songwriter said. “Hence, if you have a passion for singing, this is your opportunity to display your talent.”
The contest is open to solo performers, and groups of no more than two persons. Entries will be accepted via a video performance.
Videos which make the first round of judging will be uploaded to the social media pages of the British High Commission and The JN Group, and members of the public are invited to vote for the top videos, from January 29 to February 4, 2019.
Following the social media voting, the eight performers with the highest number of votes will move on to the third round, and, two wildcard entrants will also be selected.
The panel of adjudicators will also select the top-five entrants, who will perform live at the finals, to be held at the UK Jamaica Fair, on February 9, 2019. At that event, the judges will select the winner, who will be awarded prize tickets for two to London, UK courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Last year’s winner, Dwightchristopher “Tamo J” Allen, won from a field of 27 entrants. This year’s prize will also be a round trip for two to London.
The competition is being sponsored and organised by The Jamaica National Group, in collaboration with the British High Commission.