After walking away with the top prize in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s gospel festival Jerome Smith is trying to take it all in.

“It was unbelievable, even now it has not registered fully, but I am grateful,” said the gospel singer who copped $500,00 as well as an extra $50,000 for Best Performer.

For Smith, his victory is indeed special as he will be the first to tell you that he was very shy.

“I was shy, but the road shows help me to come out of my shell. By the time I hit the stage on the final road show in Ocho Rios I was more comfortable,” said Smith, adding that it was an amazing experience being a finalist in the gospel festival.

His entry song We Need, which he wrote, was inspired by “everyday happenings” around him. According to the 2011 winner, it is obvious that Jamaicans needed to be there for each other a lot more.

“The day to day crime and violence is a sign that we need more persons to be there for each other — you know kind of relive the whole season of Mary being there for Jesus,” Smith pointed out.

With winning secured, Smith can now afford himself the luxury of analysing the whole process. He admits that he knew he was facing a stiff competition as there were a lot of good songs and performers.

Up until last Sunday, when the finals was held at the National Arena Smith wasn’t sure he would be the one walking away with the top prize. “I knew when I got the prize for Best Performer that I would win,” said the Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre member.

Smith who hails from Kingston discovered his attraction for music at the tender age of six, as he would sing along to songs being played on the radio and television. He later established himself by singing during devotions at Rousseau Primary School . He soon discovered that singing in the bathroom helped him to shape his melody, which made that space his favourite place to perform.

Smith, a former student of Jamaica College, contends that he learnt how to play the keyboard from mere observation of a fellow musician at church and subsequently carried out practice sessions at praise and worship rehearsals. His talent matured even more when he was asked to perform at weddings and funerals.

No stranger to talent competitions, Jerome names his role models as DJ Nicholas, Kevin Downswell, Jermaine Edwards, Donnie McClurkin and TD Jakes.

His advise to those who are thinking of entering gospel festival next year is; “be yourself, develop a spirit of ministry and not just entertainment and love all your fellow contestants.”

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston