The tears that flowed from Raheim Betty’s eyes on Sunday night, August 3, inside National Indoor Sports Arena were filled with joy.

Betty was named the 2025 Jamaica Gospel Star, taking home a cash prize of $1 million.

He emerged the winner from a group of four finalists, delivering a moving performance of I Must Tell Jesus.

Joraine Welsh and Donielle Anderson claimed second and third places, respectively.

“The tears were all emotions. I finally made it, I finally won something. I finally felt as if all the hard work that I out over the years would have been accomplished, and its all because of Jesus,” he told the Jamaica Observer post-event.

This was his third time entering the competition. He last entered in 2021.

“A friend told me try again this year, and I saw it as another opportunity to try it and see how it goes, because you never know, and see, I won,” said Betty.

“It was an awesome experience for me, and I’ve learnt a lot; I’ve grown. I was able to put my experience to the fore and do what I was called to do, which is to sing and to minister,” he continued.

The 31-year-old former Knox College student is from the tourist resort area of Ocho Rios in St Ann. He studied communications at Northern Caribbean University and worships at Life in the Word Christian Centre on James Avenue.

After he was announced the winner by emcee Nadine Blair, he searched for his mother, Valerie Mundle, in the audience and told her how much he loved her.

“My mother is a gem, she do the most fi mi. She literally went to war for me to ensure that I got the best education, even though I messed up a lot. She made sure that whenever she had no money I’m still well fed and taken care of. I am just grateful to her,” said Betty.

Asked what he felt he did differently this time around to secure the win, Betty stated: “Making my testimonies work for me. I made what I’ve been through, and still going through, speak through my vocals. The songs that I chose are a part of my story.”

Among the prizes earned will be the chance to record a single and music video, sponsored by Shemar Grant Productions.

A born-again Christian since the age of 19, Betty said he shares a special relationship with the Lord.

“My relationship with God is like father and son. He was there through everything; he’s my life, my saviour, my everything. He kept me motivated throughout my journey in the competition,” Betty shared.

As for his long-term goals and objectives, Betty hopes to release several albums, travel the world to share his ministry, and to also try his hand at acting.

The Jamaica Gospel Star competition continues to serve as a premier platform for discovering and nurturing gospel talent across the island.

A section of the audience at Jamaica Gospel Star competition. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Gospel artiste Kevin Downswell moves the audience during the 2025 Jamaica Gospel Star Competition held on Sunday.