Spectacular array of talent at JCDC Gospel Finals 2007

Spectacular array of talent at JCDC Gospel Finals 2007

Kingston, Jamica, July 24, 2007


Garfield Reid showed everyone present at the Grace Tropical Rhythms Jamaica Gospel Song Competition 2007 on Sunday night the ‘Signs of the Times’.

Sunday July 24, 2007 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, gladly accepted his cheque for $400,000.00 and the JCDC's Jamaica Gospel Song Trophy. Held at the National Indoor Sports the Golden Touch Band added their touch to the evening, helping each performer sound and look their best.

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 Jamaica Trophy and an artiste development grant along with other awards

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.

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’.

‘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.

Antoinette Brad-shaw with Completely thoroughly ministered to the crowd. Her personal testimony, coupled with her amazing voice, lifted her performance from the ordinary. But in an evening when all finalists held their own, possessing remarkable talent and with a smooth well-planned show, very little could have been described as ordinary. 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’.

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.