Kevin Downswell leads the nation in praise at Festival Song Finals | Entertainment

International gospel artist Rev. Kevin Downswell will present his unique blend of music and ministry tonight at the Jamaica Festival Song Competition finals and results show at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College in St. Andrew, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange announced on Tuesday that Downswell, known for his powerful singles such as You make me stronger, If it’s not youAnd Carry mewill be a special addition to the entertainment program. Downswell will lead a memorial service of praise and thanksgiving following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

Downswell sees this as an opportunity to invoke the presence of the Almighty and emphasizes that despite the damage and devastation caused by the hurricane, there is still much to be thankful for.

“We have been through something that could have been much worse. My heart goes out to my fellow Jamaicans who were affected by the hurricane. I want to spread a spirit of gratitude and encourage people to find a way to express gratitude even if they are standing on the foundations of their roofless home. I want to fill the hall with an attitude of gratitude and praise to the Almighty. I will also take this opportunity to pray for those who have suffered harm and for a speedy recovery,” Downswell said.

The winner of the 2024 Festival Song Competition will receive a cash prize of $3 million. JCDC Executive Director Lenford Salmon points out that this year’s Festival Song will have special significance given the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.

“So many Jamaicans have been affected by Hurricane Beryl. The timing of this results show is perfect as it gives Jamaicans at home and abroad the opportunity to say thank you and celebrate who we are as a people. The winning song for 2024 will now become part of the soundtrack for the year that Hurricane Beryl swept across our island,” said Grange.

The top ten songs of this year are: Fi mi Island Homeby Sister Novelette; Jamaica is a big brandby TrishMaq; #OneJamaicaby Kimiela “Candy” Isaacs; Jamaica Jamaica by Trisstar; Proud Jamaican by Auraiya Hope; We are Jamaicans by Pepita; Yes, love this country by Lex MD; Waa Back Jamaica by Renzzah; Better Jamaica by Reggae Maxx and Sweet Jamaica by Casey Donaldson.

Salmon is urging Jamaicans to turn out in large numbers to demonstrate the pride and resilience of the Jamaican people. He stressed that Saturday’s show, like all independence events organized by the JCDC, is free to the public.

“The show will consist of two parts. To start, the contestants will perform a medley of popular festival songs from previous years before performing their own entries. These performances, combined with Kevin Downswell’s commitment, great sound, lighting and set design, will create a fantastic musical experience. It’s a win-win situation for both the audience and the finalist who emerges as the winner,” said Salmon.

He also reminds the public to vote for their favourite entry by using the allocated voting numbers or by downloading the Reggae Jamaica app. Public votes will account for 25 per cent of the final entries. Voting rounds close at 12pm on Saturday.

For those unable to attend in person, the results broadcast will be televised live on Television Jamaica and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica. The broadcast will also be streamed on the JCDC website and YouTube page.