SINGER Diamara Neil-Walker walked away winner of Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) Gospel Song Competition held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew on Sunday.

The pint-sized singer wowed the judges and audience as she delivered the lyrics to her inspirational single God Is. In addition to the JCDC trophy, the Marcus Garvey Technical High School music teacher received a cash incentive of $400,000 courtesy of telecoms provider Digicel. She also won the prize for Best Lyrics.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer after being announced the winner, Neil-Walker said the win came as a surprise.

“My nerves were pretty high, but throughout the night myself and the rest of the finalists just danced and sang backstage as a way to calm ourselves. All 10 finalists were great, so I never for once thought I had the edge over anyone. We entered this competition a team,” she said.

With the competition out of the way, Neil-Walker said its back to work while continuing to pursue her musical career.

Her career started in England where she was an active participant in choirs and groups, and she has also engaged in solo performances. She has performed at numerous events islandwide and across many different genres.

Cropping the second prize was another crowd favourite, Minister Treasure, for his single Praise Him.

Minister Treasure earned $50,000 and a trophy for being the competition’s Best Performer. Girl group Unique Harmony sang their way to third place spot with Jubilee.

Before the presentation of awards, gospel artiste Judith Gayle delivered an inspirational set. She performed songs including Jesus is Alive, Please Don’t Tear Me Down, and Things Already Better. Her set touched a few members of the audience who sang along with outstretched arms.

The Jamaica Gospel Song Competition, a presentation of indigenous gospel music, began in 1987.