When talented musicians collaborate good things happen. Such is the case with the 2010 JCDC Festival Song Competition and the song, Nuh Weh Nuh Betta, delivered by talented singer Deru, written by local singer-songwriter Cezar and produced by Dylan Powe of Swatch International/Prodigal Entertainment. The song is already in the top 10 and is a favourite to cop the coveted top prize this year.

The singer, Deru, has been paying his dues locally for some time having been a finalist in the Red Stripe big break competition 2005 and then becoming one of the lead vocalists of the University Singers. He has also recorded, toured and performed extensively, gaining the experience and growing the talent that shines through so brightly in the song.

The timing of the song and accompanying video (shot by Ras Tingle of TD Films) could not be better in light of recent events and the ongoing state of emergency. It speaks about the challenges faced by ordinary Jamaicans but does so with a sense of defiance proclaiming that despite the problems, nowhere is better than Jamaica. The sense of pride that it conveys is real, passionate, is not gimmicky and is current. As a result the song been receiving ample airplay on sound systems, in clubs and in mainstream media locally and overseas.

Following a recent performance, someone was heard to say that Deru is such a great vocalist and performer that it “isn’t fair”. They wanted to see good performers, but perhaps this one was too good.

Come finals day it should be interesting to see what unfolds. Here is a song and an artiste who can represent the sound of a new rejuvenated JCDC Festival Competition and raise the interest of a younger generation.