The 10 songs finalists in the running to be Jamaica’s next Festival anthem will be officially released today, Friday, June 12.

The release gives Jamaicans at home and abroad their first opportunity to hear the entries vying to provide the soundtrack to this year’s Independence celebration.

Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia Grange has encouraged everyone to listen out for the songs.

“The songs have now been released, and I am encouraging Jamaicans at home and abroad to become familiar with them and support this year’s competition… [T]he public can now hear the songs and begin rallying behind their favourites as the search gets underway for Jamaica’s next Festival anthem,” said Grange. “I am encouraging broadcast media to give the entries significant airplay in the weeks leading up to the grand finale.”

The songs are available on the Reggae Jamaica App and will also be made available on major digital streaming platforms, providing Jamaicans everywhere with additional opportunities to listen.

The contestants are scheduled to perform at the Universal Service Fund’s Connec’ Di West Road Tour on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, St James at 3:00 p.m. The next stop will be Bank of Jamaica Lunch Hour Concert on Friday, June 26, beginning at 12:30 pm. The public will get another opportunity to see the finalists during the Festival Song Presentation Show on Saturday, July 11, at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre and also broadcast live on Television Jamaica (TVJ).

The competition will culminate with the Festival Song Results Show on Saturday, July 25, at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew, beginning at 8:00 pm.

Through the auspices of Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) the Festival Song Competition once again offers Jamaicans an opportunity to unite through music while championing local talent and cultural expression.