The final of the sixth Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC) takes place on July 25 in Snellville, Georgia. Eight Jamaican artistes based overseas will compete for the winning prize of US$8,000.

Dr Garfield McCook, founder of the contest, described the 2026 field as the most cosmopolitan since the event started in 2021.

“Our diaspora reach is expanding based on those in the finals. We have a finalist from Italy, three from Canada, one from Georgia, one from Pennsylvania, one from Florida, and one from Detroit,” he told Observer Online.

Defending his title is Lee “Priest” Johnson, representing Georgia with One Of A Kind. He won the 2025 contest with Jamaica ina mi Blood.

Florida is represented by D Mack (Jamaica is The Place). Canada has three representatives — Ammoye with A Yard (featuring Lord Sassafrass), Derrick Watson (All Jamaicans) and Tyson Knight whose entry is Jamaica Is A Woman.

Detroit-based Clement Gordon (Granny); Peter Positive out of Pennsylvania (Love mi Yard) and Richardo “Bringle Faya” Amos, who represents Italy with Woii, complete the field.

McCook said the runner-up gets US$4,000 and third place US$1,000.

The JIIFSC is based on Jamaica’s Festival Song Competition, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The final of that event also takes place on July 25.

Lavie Lujah, based in Toronto, Canada, won the inaugural JIIFSC with Certified Yardie.

— Howard Campbell