Record number of female finalists at the Jamaica 2024 Festival Song Competition

History is being made: Jamaica’s Minister of Culture Oliva Grange announced that an unprecedented number of women have been selected as finalists for the 2024 Jamaica Festival Song Competition.

For the first time in the competition’s nearly 60-year history, there will be more female finalists: six women have been selected, four men. This announcement was made at the end of May 2024.

VPAL Music, the official distributor of the Festival Song Competition compilation, will make the project available on all streaming platforms on July 12, 2024.

The six female finalists are:

1. Auraiya Hope (proud Jamaican)

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2. Sister Novelette (Fi Mi Island Home)

3. TrishMaq (Jamaica is a big brand)

4. Kimiela “Candy” Isaacs (#One Jamaica)

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5. Trisstar (Jamaica Jamaica)

6. Pepita (We are Jamaicans)

The four male finalists are:

1. Lex MD (Jah Love this Land).

2. Renzzah (Waa Back Jamaica)

3. Reggae Maxx (Better Jamaica)

4. Casey Donaldson (Sweet Jamaica)

Minister Grange noted that the diversity in the selection of finalists was a reflection of the tireless work of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in researching and showcasing Jamaican culture.

“I am particularly happy that for the first time so many women have made it into the top 10. The selection was made by the jury, which was very critical and focused on what they considered to be the best entries. This year it will be interesting to see the battle between the women and, of course, the men,” the minister noted.

Donovan Williams of VPAL Music added: “Over the past four years, we have seen a steady increase in interest in songs from the Jamaica Festival Competition from the US and UK diaspora, including Germany, Brazil, South Africa and France. Having so many women competing this year will further raise the level of competition.”