Pepita Little revives her musical passion and reaches the final of the Festival Song Competition | Entertainment

Pepita Little is no stranger to the media and entertainment industry. Her love for entertainment began in her childhood when she performed alongside the band Fab 5 at Christmas concerts at her school, Wolmer’s Preparatory. At Holy Childhood High School, she continued to pursue her artistic passion, joining the choir and drama clubs and participating in various JCDC competitions. A little over a decade ago, Little gave the public a taste of her music with her song. Make love to me but apart from that, she did not pursue it further as she believed that her venture was not well received at the time. In 2024, the media personality has resumed her goal of pursuing a music career and has released the song We are Jamaicanswhich secured her a place among the finalists.

“I decided to enter the competition this year because I have always had a passion for singing. It is something I have loved since I was young and I wanted to show Jamaica my talent and do something meaningful, like write a beautiful song that makes people feel good.” Little said The Gleaner.

Since nothing happens before its time, two years ago Little was approached in her hometown of Port Royal by her longtime friends, music producers Collin “Bulby” York and Anthony “Red Roze” Cameron, with what she considered a surprising proposal.

“They (York and Cameron) came to Port Royal and told me they wanted me to enter the Festival Song Competition and we sat there on the beach and wrote the song. It was completely out of the blue because I hadn’t seen them for a while and they told me they were just coming to Port Royal to eat fish, but later that day I started writing,” Little recalled with a laugh, but she did not enter that year.

Little wanted to write a beautiful song that showcased the beauty of the island. She wanted to make Jamaicans feel included and focus on our blessings. She also took it as an opportunity to make her small town “big.”

“I hear people in my community playing the song in the store and it was an exciting experience, especially because I included them in the song. They always complained that whenever people mention them and talk about them, it’s just like we’re going under!”

TOP OF THE LIST

A music career is still high on Little’s wish list and she says she sees a room for the kind of music she wants to make.

“I want to make music that highlights love, positivity, a bit of social criticism and an overall traditional and cultural atmosphere. My dream is to tour Switzerland, Europe and so on. I have written songs that I want to release after the competition.”

A woman who doesn’t pigeonhole her talents, Little is also a trained screenwriter, an accomplishment she achieved when she graduated from the UWI Community Film Project (UWICFP) in 2022. She has even more creative passion to share with the world as she “loses herself in the arts.”

“I love acting. There is a film currently playing at the Toronto Film Festival called Behind closed doorsproduced by Yaad Boiiz Film Productions where I play a supporting role as Shanika. So people can look forward to it. I have also written a film called Ancestral Love for one of my mentors from UWICFP, Eka Campbell, who wants to submit the film to some film festivals. So we’ll see where that goes. I don’t want to be a jack of all trades and master of none, but I believe I’m really good at all of those things,” Little said, continuing, “Everything I’ve been through has brought me to these moments where I believe my time has come to shine. So I say to myself, ‘You’ve made it this far, you’ve got your character and your medication in order,’ so now it’s time.”

Little mentioned Psalm 91 and cited a Bible passage that encourages her.

“I try to remember this scripture because when I find myself falling out of character or reacting in a way that is not consistent with the person I want to be, I remember that I need to dwell in the secret place of the Most High – a place of righteousness, positivity and goodness,” she adds.

THE 2024 JAMAICA FINALISTS OF THE FESTIVAL SONG COMPETITION:

1. Auraiya Hope ( Proud Jamaican)

2. Sister Novelette ( Fi Mi Island Home)

3. Renzza ( Waa Back Jamaica)

4. TrishMaq ( Jamaica is a big brand)

5. Lex MD ( Yes, love this country)

6. Kimiela “Candy” Isaacs ( #OneJamaica)

7. Reggae Maxx ( Better Jamaica)

8. Tristar ( Jamaica Jamaica)

9. Pepita ( We are Jamaicans)

10. Casey Donaldson ( Sweet Jamaica)

Public voting began on June 27 and will end on the evening of the results announcement on July 13 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Voting details can be found on the JCDC’s social media platforms.

[email protected]