Eighteen bands from schools, churches and community groups across the island have made it to the finals of the 2009 Popular Band Competition set for December 20 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the 2009 competition will be staged as part of the Kumba Mi Yabba fair, also planned for that date at the venue.

Bands making the cut from the northern region, include the 2009 winners Milford Youth Club Band, along with Moneague College Band, Discovery Bay Tabernacle Band (DBT), Positive Music Band, and Marcus Garvey Roots Band from the parish of St Ann, as well as the A.G.E. Band from St Mary. From the west, the GIRLSE Band from Montego Bay High School for Girls, the Herbert Morrison Technical High School Band, the Mystic Band, the DOLCE Band from the Mushett High School in Trelawny and Tension Invasion Band will compete.

The Spanish Town High School Band, Cumberland High School Band, Ascot High School Band, Bog Walk High School Band Mystikal Revolution Band will represent the eastern region of the island , while Central High School Band and Knox College Band will represent for the central region.

Kimberlyn Goldson, band leader for the Milford Youth Club Band, reports that since winning the 2008 competition, the appearances of the band has increased especially in tourist towns. “As part of our prize package, we performed on the small stage at the 2008 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, which proved to be a great experience for our members and helped to get our name out there,” Goldson commented.

Turnkey Productions, organisers of the annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, has once again pledged a spot for the 2009 winners, while the Jamaica Business Development Corporation( JBDC) will provide $250,000 in prizes for the top placed bands.