DANECE “Sacaj” Jacas, winner of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) Jamaica Festival Song Competition, is passionate about the land of her birth.

“I really love my country and I’m passionate about my music. The idea to have my song as the official Diamond Jubilee soundtrack was an opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

The St Mary native, this year’s only female competitor, walked away with the top prize on Thursday at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew with the song Nuh Weh Nuh Nice Like Yard. It was produced by Newell Morgan.

Magic Flute’s I am a Proud Jamaican placed second while Nitty Kutchie’s Defend Jamaica, which was publicly supported by artistes such as Bounty Killer and Buju Banton, finished third.

Sacaj, who wrote Nuh Weh Nuh Nice Like Yard, said she deviated from the traditional sound.

“What made me stand out was the sound of my song. It’s a bit more contemporary beside and not what we’re used to as typical cultural songs, which was a risk in itself. But, it paid off. Just as with everything in this world, the sound should evolve. Evolution is necessary for growth to incorporate the new generation with something that is closer to what we’re listening to now,” she explained.

The other finalists were: Dez I Boyd (Jamaica Sweet Again); Intrestt (Rock to da Beat); Inspiyah (Jamaica Nice Again); Nazzle Man (Out Of Many); One1 (Sixty); Orkid (Diamond Jubilee); and Rory Stamp (Bring Back The Love).

Sacaj added that she is over the moon about being this year’s top contender.

“It’s a great feeling to know that I’m now apart of my country’s history, and the fifth female to ever win the competition,” she said.

The other female winners in the history of the Jamaica Festival Song Competition are: Heather Grant (1992), Cheryl Clarke (1999), Abbygaye Dallas (2012), and Stacious (2021).

The top prize money of $3 million is split among the producer, writer, and singer.

The entertainer — who has a number of releases under her belt including Steady, One More Day (featuring Louie Culture), and First Real Love — says she will use her portion to propel her career.

“Music takes money, so I’m just going to say that I’m going to invest in my career,” she revealed.

Her wish for the country, moving forward, is to preserve the health and lives of women and children.

“I’d like for us to protect our women more. Violence against women has been happening over the years and I’d like to see that change,” Sacaj said.