SEVEN artistes have been selected for the final of the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC), scheduled for July 30 in Snellville, Georgia.

They were selected July 2 at the Fern Gully Jamaican Cafe in Atlanta, Georgia.

The finalists include Lavie Lujah, who represents Canada. He won last year’s inaugural contest and looks to repeat with Jamaica Rise N Shine.

Ms Tania Lou is the other contestant out of Canada with Gi mi Black Green n Gold. The other finalists, who represent the United States, are: Singer Irie (Mamma Jamaica); Nikki Spice (I Miss You Jamaica); George Prophet (Celebrate); Goddy Son (Irie); and Bobby Dockery (Jamaica Holiday).

Garfield McCook, president/founder of the JIIFSC, told the Jamaica Observer that the finalists were selected by a five-member panel, from 12 semi-finalists. They best met the criteria of vocal quality, production quality, originality and relevance to the Jamaican culture.

McCook, a St Catherine-born, Atlanta-based businessman, started the contest last year after fiddling with its concept for some time. Lavie Lujah, who was born in St Elizabeth, won the first staging with Certified Yardie.

A contest of this nature is needed for Jamaicans abroad, McCook believes.

“For years, we have had conversations about us in the Diaspora showcasing our talent; showing that we still have what its got for the country we so love, Jamaica. We didn’t have a platform so I had to create that platform to give them opportunity,” he said.

The finalists and their songs will be promoted through Diaspora mediums as well as Facebook and Instagram. Winner of the JIIFSC will receive US$8,000, runner-up $4,000 and third place $1,000.