Submissions for the fifth Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC) have begun, with founder Garfield McCook optimistic that “an expanded marketing drive” will see an increase in entries.

The event’s finals are scheduled for July 26 in Georgia, where it has been held since 2021. There were seven contestants last year, which was won by Ernel Earlington and Doxology, his harmony quartet.

“Entries have remained stable, but with an expanded marketing drive, we hope for an expanded entry of artistes. Incentives will be a special crowning of the Year Five winner with US$8,000 plus a trophy; second place, $5,000 plus trophy and third place with $1000,” McCook told Observer Online. “The top three will be featured on JIIFSC Regals Vol 3 Album, under the auspices of VPAL Records, a subsidiary of VP Records.”

Toronto-based Lavie Lujah with Certified Yardie, IRIE by GoddySon out of New York and Ohio-based Leon “Letonick” Denton won the JIIFSC in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The JIIFSC is based on the Festival Song Competition which has been held in Jamaica since 1966.

McCook, an Atlanta-based Jamaican businessman, started the contest as a platform for artistes in the Jamaican Diaspora to express their patriotism.

He said that he and his team are doing things a bit differently this year.

“This being our fifth year, we will recognise our ardent group of foundation partners. We will have a surprise international artiste performing. Past winners who are not entering will be performing,” McCook disclosed.

– Howard Campbell