Three years after hearing about the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC) on social media, Lee “Priest” Johnson won the annual event on July 26 in Snellville, Georgia.

The singer’s Jamaica Ina Mi Blood got the better of six rivals at Shiloh High School Theatre, earning him US$8,000 and a trophy. He represented Georgia in the contest which is open to artistes in the Jamaican Diaspora.

“It’s a feeling beyond what words can describe. I feel honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to represent my country, its culture and its people on this international level,” said Priest in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. “It’s a humbling experience for me to be selected as the winner out of all the entries that were entered.”

A teacher by profession, Johnson is originally from Blenheim, Manchester. He lives in Conyers, a city on the outskirts of Atlanta.

Finishing second was 2024 winners Ernel Earlington and Doxology with If Yuh Love Jamaica Sey Yes, while Boston-based Dion Knibb was third with My Sweet Jamaica. Earlington and Doxology received US$4,000 and a trophy, with Knibb awarded US$1,000.

Other contestants in the 2025 JIIFSC were Chawlih Crux out of Washington, DC, with Jamaica Now; Lisa Blackford representing Virginia with My Jamaica Home Sweet Home; IJAHKNOWAH out of Georgia with Yardie; and Tania Lou from Canada with Jamaica Soul.

Dr Garfield McCook, founder of the JIIFSC, was pleased with the “intense participation” of the audience. He wants the contest to have a presence in Jamaica.

“We would surely like to get airplay and television coverage for the winning song,” said McCook.

— Howard Campbell