Production manager at Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Andrea Hinds-McCurdy shared the exciting news on Friday: The first-place winner in the 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star competition will receive a cash prize of $1 million.

In addition, “The winner will receive prizes including… a single and music video under the guidance of top producers in Jamaica. The competition provides a national audience for the contestants to showcase their talents weekly via local television and a wider international audience via the JCDC website and other social media platforms. The audience is not only comprised of supporters and music enthusiasts, but influencers in the gospel music industry,” shared Hinds-McCurdy.

The competition, which began in 2021, is now in its fourth season.

The JCDC indicated that there were plans to enhance this year’s execution; however, due to the passing of Hurricane Beryl the organisers had returned to the original model.

“Not much has changed since the initial introduction in 2021, except that last year we were able to showcase the finale show before a live audience at the Independence Village. The same thing will happen this year again. We initially planned on having a 5-week showcase, but with the passing of Hurricane Beryl we had to revert to the original template. This year, we will also have a Saved by Grace section, where eliminated contestants have the opportunity to be brought back into the competition by the judges,” Hinds-McCurdy stated.

This year’s competition features a diverse group of 10 talented finalists: Shornette McPherson, Shauna-Kaye McArthur, Darren Grant, Terrica Pryce, Kenneka Rust, Robert “Brodba” Brodber, Donica Dennis Chambers, Curtis Rhoden, Jaida Messam, and Shauna Thomas.

Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange expressed excitement at this year’s competition while emphasising the exceptional talent.

“The 2024 cohort of the Jamaica Gospel Star Competition features a spectacular assembly of some of Jamaica’s finest aspiring and seasoned singing talents, promising an electrifying musical showdown. We are poised for another thrilling and fiercely competitive year,” she said.

The Jamaica Gospel Star builds upon the legacy of what was previously known as the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition, which produced some of the island’s most celebrated gospel hits, including Hold My Hand Today by Glacia Robinson, Praise by Kevin Downswell, More Blessings Again by Lubert Levy, and One Touch by Levy’s Heritage.

“The JCDC Gospel Star Competition is more than a music contest; it is a ministry that nurtures the personal and professional growth of its participants,” said Minister Grange.

The 2024 edition promises to be a transformative experience for the finalists, who will engage with gospel music professionals and gain invaluable industry connections for mentorship and guidance. Veteran vocalist and experienced vocal coach Alicia Taylor will serve as the rehearsal coach, drawing from her extensive experience supporting artistes like Jermaine Edwards and Rondel Positive, as well as leading worship at Worship and Faith International Fellowship.

The panel of judges includes industry luminaries Nadine Blair, John Mark Wiggan, Ruth Browne, Djenne Greaves, and Leighton Jones, all of whom bring a wealth of expertise.

“While we present the Jamaica Gospel Star as a competition, it truly operates as a ministry where finalists learn to balance their personal faith with their public ministry,” explained Hinds-McCurdy. “This experience equips them with the tools and connections they need to thrive in the gospel music industry and reach new heights in their calling.”

The competition will unfold as an exhilarating live studio four-episode TV talent show set to return on Sunday, July 14 at 5:00 pm on CVM Television. It culminates in the grand finale on Sunday, August 4, 2024, as part of the highly anticipated Jamaica Praise event at the Independence Village, National Stadium Complex.

The series will also broadcast simultaneously on the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ) and streamed on the social media platforms of the JCDC.

Telephone voting will begin after each episode and on the free Reggae Jamaica Mobile App, giving the audience at home and in the Diaspora the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Jamaica’s gospel music landscape.