'Take Me to Jesus' wins JCDC 2009 Gospel Song Competition

'Take Me to Jesus' wins JCDC 2009 Gospel Song Competition


August 2, 2009

Gamel Grant emerged winner of the  2009 Grace Tropical Rhythms Jamaica Festival Gospel Song competition held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Kingston, Jamaica.

On Sunday August 2, 2009, Gamel Grant won the Jamaica Gospel Song 2K9 competition with his song Take Me to Jesus. However, it was second-placed Kimiela Issacs who seemed to have won the hearts of the crowd (even outside her substantial core support that hooted at every mention of her name).

So after an effervescent André Wright had blown a flurry of kisses into the air, giving thanks to the crowd on the ground and the 'Big Man' up above for his third- placed Man O God, there were screams when Issacs' Reassurance was announced for second place.

But there was a noticeably more muted response when the winner was announced, and two very enthusiastic men - one with a megaphone and the other with a pair of Dutch pot covers - led a mini-exodus from the rear right of the audience, their accessories silent. That is, until the megaphone toter shouted "dat no fair!" into his tool of vocal amplification.

That did not, naturally, affect Grant's delivery of his winning entry, or subtract a cent from his $500,000 winning cheque, that a part of a winner's package with several other prizes. Nor did it prevent a large section of the audience showing the winner respect by standing and dancing as he delivered the top song.

Kimiela Issacs voted Best performer

Kimiela Issacs won $150,000, and the Word Time Ministries of Jamaica Trophy, as well as other prizes. André Wright 2nd runner-up won the Michael Schurton Trophy and cash winnings being $100,000. Issacs also took home $50,000 for Best Performer.

Kimola Brown, who entered Sen' Down and also enjoyed a loud cheering section at Ranny Williams on Sunday night, was another contestant to get some cash in hand, earning $10,000 for showing the most care and concern for and encouraging her fellow finalists. Nickette Morgan's supporters hollered when she nabbed Most Popular Vote.

The sound was excellent (and since most of the entries were reggae or dancehall, the bass was carried deep and clear) and the stage decor simple but effective, a stained-glass window design projected on the large back-drop, before which the band was in good nick.

The first guest performer, Jabez, hit the spot with the crowd, saving I'm Drinking From My Saucer for last to have the crowd lapping up his music ministry. When the RB Gospel Singers, placed in the hot spot just before the results were announced, was introduced, there was no response to indicate recognition or enthusiasm.

By the time the uniformly yellow and black clad group had ended with their uptempo stint with a rousing, very recognisable version of Psalms 23, the lead singer punching with her right first towards the crowd to emphasise the line "hol' on to yu victory Christian", the entire house was standing and dancing.