IRIE by Goddy Son won the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC) on July 30, topping six rivals at Shiloh High School’s Theater in Snellville, Georgia.

The New York-based artiste won US$8,000 for his victory. In second was the 2021 winner Lavie Lujah with Jamaica Rise N Shine, which earned him US$4,000, with third going to Nikki Spice for I Miss You Jamaica, for which she earned US$1,000.

Garfield McCook, founder and promoter of the event, said there was considerable improvement on last year’s inaugural show.

“There was great improvement in terms of the quality of songs entered and location, which was a well-equipped school theatre, and attendance,” he disclosed.

Proceedings started with Anthony Steele, lead singer for the Swatt Band, performing popular Jamaica Festival Song Competition winners. It set the pace for performances by the finalists — five representing the United States, and two from Canada.

A long-time Atlanta resident, McCook launched the JIIFSC last year. He said it was a platform for artistes in the Jamaican Diaspora to express their patriotism, similar to the Festival Song Competition.

Singer Irie with Mamma Jamaica, George Prophet (Celebrate), Bobby Dockery (Jamaica Holiday), and Ms Tina Lou (Gi mi Black Green N Gold) completed the 2022 JIIFSC field.

Five judges — Shelly Thunder, Erica Newell, Dr Garnet Mowatt, Wayne Hall and Twiggi — presided over the event.

— Howard Campbell