JCDC Gospel Finals 2007 Garfield Reid Wins Title

JCDC Gospel Finals 2007 Garfield Reid Wins Title


Sunday evening saw a spectacular array of talent at the finals show of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Jamaica Gospel Song Competition 2007, with Garfield Reid emerged as the winner with his song ‘Signs of the Times’.

Garfield Reid, the winner of the JCDC Gospel Song Competition, accepts his cheque for $400,000.00 and the JCDC's Jamaica Gospel Song Trophy. Held at the National Indoor Sports Centre each performer sound and look their best.

Special Guests artistes Jermaine Edwards and Papa San both gave excellent performances sending the audience in a frenzy of praise and worship. Clive Warren, the 2006 Gospel Song Winner, also performed.
The finalists gave the audience a taste of what was to come with their warm up songs.

After a 15-minute intermission, it was time for the main event. Banners and loud “Wooo’s” in support of favourite finalists could be seen and heard throughout the venue. Shelly-Ann Watson ministered energetically with her original ‘Year of the Church’, after which Hugh Miller gave a well-done rendition of his song ‘Blessed Is The Man.’ Sushann Holmes followed with her original, ‘You Still Care’, and then came Leon Denton with ‘Lead Me Home’.

Antoinette Bradshaw
‘Mek me take off me glasses so me can see you better!” said Courtney Cooke as he came onstage to give an excellent performance of his song ‘Gimme Pass’. Clad in the national colours, Natalder Butler then performed her song ‘Breakthrough’.

What seemed to be a true-life story was Antoinette Bradshaw’s song ‘Completely’ was surely a heartfelt song for both her and the audience. Nolan Brown was in full army gear for his very fitting song, ‘Armour’. Elect was up next with ‘Redeemer, Redeeming The Time’. Last but not least was Garfield Reid, whose creativity stood out, being the only performer with a dancer.

The judges were now left with the hard decision of deciding the winner for this year’s competition. But, there must be one winner.

Third-placed Courtney Cooke, among other prizes, was awarded a cash prize of $150,000, the Michael Schurton Trophy and an artiste development grant valued at $30,000. Antoinette Bradshaw, in second was awarded $200,000.00, the Word Time Ministries of Jmaiaca Trophy and an artiste development grant along with other awards. The winner and most outstanding performer Garfield Reid walk away with cash and prizes amounting to over $500,000. Reid closed the event with an encore performance of ‘Signs Of The Times’.