PUTTING her story to music paid dividends for Daynea Deacon-Jones, who was crowned 2018 Jamaica Gospel Song winner at the National Arena in St Andrew on Sunday night.

Her entry was titled Worshipper’s Heart.

“I’m happy that I listened to the call of the Lord and He delivered on his promise,” Deacon-Jones told the Jamaica Observer.

In addition to a cash award and trophy, Deacon-Jones secured sectional prizes for Best Musicianship and Writer of the Winning Song.

She shared the motivation for penning Worshipper’s Heart.

“I wrote this last year. It’s really my story to God. I had my roots in the church but I got distracted … The song said I made some mistakes… I’d l` ike the good shepherd, He’s lead me back in the fold. It’s my experience.”

Deacon-Jones said the song was initially titled Wayward Worship. However, at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) workshop, it was suggested that the song be renamed Worshipper’s Heart and she complied.

Deacon Jones haoled from Port Antonio in Portland, and music was always a part of her life while attending New Testament Church of God. A former student of Titchfield High, she attended Mico University College and subsequently the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. She is currently a history teacher at Campion College in St Andrew.

While at Mico University College, she was part of the choir and won the “Best Female Gospel” category in the JCDC Music competition in 2004. The following year, she placed third in the televised talent contest Digicel’s Rising Stars.

“JCDC competitions are not new to me. Growing up, I’ve been entering them since basic school. I know how to work the stage… but the other (nine) contestants were just as good,” she said.

Dwight Fearrari took second place with God’s Coverage, while third place went to Adeoluwa Adeoye.

The other sectional prizes were: Best Performance — Dwight Fearrari, God’s Coverage; Best Lyrics — Shaundre Cowan, Worship, Victory Edition; Best Arrangement —Shaundre Cowan, Worship, Victory Edition; Most Popular on Social Media — Joelle Notice, Keep the Faith; and Spirit of Praise Award — Travis-Dean Allen, End of All Things is at Hand.

What’s next for Deacon-Jones?

“God alone can answer that. Where He leads, I will follow. The journey continues,” she added.