This is the eighth in the Jamaica Observer’s 10-part series on finalists in this year’s Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC’s) Festival Gospel Song Competition.

KENEISHA Smith says feeling nervous is the last thing she expects come Sunday’s final. She is one of the finalists in this year’s JCDC Gospel Song Competition scheduled for the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew.

“Honestly speaking, I must say that I am not anxious about it. But I am really excited to minister this undiluted gospel, in the form of music. I see that night as a grand opportunity to unleash my God-given talent to bless and inspire his people, so that his name can be glorified,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

The gospel finalist said she already sees herself as a winner from the exposure she has received.

“Through workshops, road show encounters, interviews, and my song being played on the radio worldwide. Wow!! This experience for me is actually a dream come true. I really thank God for the Gospel Song Competition, for bringing one of my dreams to reality, as I would always see myself as a gospel minister. I am at peace,” she said.

Smith said the inspiration for her entry — Prayer Warrior — came one day when her father Leroy Smith was deejaying on his sound system called Scallawah Supreme.

“As a young child, I would always stick around my father and watch him express his passion for music over the microphone and always I would try to deejay like him. One day while he was deejaying, I asked the Lord for an inspiration so I could join him as he sang, and the Lord inspired me there to write Prayer Warrior,” she said.

Win or lose, after the competition her goal is to launch in the music industry and begin her journey in preaching the gospel through music. She also plans on going back to school.

“My ultimate goal is to inspire young people in this world. I wish to positively spread the good old gospel music of Jesus Christ, allowing individuals to become aware of their purpose in this life,” she said.