Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs Becomes First Visually-Impaired ‘Jamaica Festival Song’ Winner

Decorated musician and educator Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs made history on Saturday night by becoming the first visually-impaired artist to win the Jamaica Festival Song competition in its 58-year history. 

Many didn’t need eyes to see that the singer and songwriter had the X factor in this year’s contest. Her entry, #OneJamaica, dodged cliche themes associated with local pride for a message of God-stirred unity and reflection of Jamaica’s strides over 62 years of independence. Her joy exuded in a tearful post-victory performance at the Jamaica College auditorium in Kingston. 

“I’m excited, I’m over the moon,” Isaacs told DancehallMag. “I’m still in awe and I can only say to God be all glory and praise. This moment is special because I won – it’s that simple. Winning is not an easy feat… It takes a lot of mental preparation and everything, so the fact that I am announced as the winner tonight it’s really special and I am tearing up inside as we speak because it’s a very emotional moment for me.”

The teacher was selected from a panel of judges and public vote, standing out among nine other contestants to earn the coveted cash prize of JMD$3 million. Isaacs also won the trophy for Best Performance, justified by her spirited delivery, vocal conviction, audience engagement and delightful choreography. 

By her own admission, she’s a “Festival baby”, entering this and other contests organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) throughout her expansive career. In fact, the Wolmerian has more than 60 JCDC trophies, but found deeper sentiment for reentering this year’s competition. 

“I want us to be done with the negatives and focus on the positives – that’s the line in my song… We are one Jamaica, one God, one nation, one family, and the song promotes unity, oneness, and it’s all because of God.”

The teacher, who was born blind, is no stranger to making history. In 2012, she became the first visually-impaired student in Jamaica to earn a music degree – a bachelor’s in jazz and popular music studies from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. 

Isaacs performing post-victory with the support of contestants Casey Donaldson (left) and Renzzah. Photo credit: JCDC

The evening also saw second place going to Trishmaq with Jamaica is a Big Brand, a toast to the country’s achievements across sports, music, pageantry and more, delivered in a luminous yellow jumpsuit with a tailored Jamaican flag as her cape.

Third-place winner Sister Novelette opted for dancers during her performance of Fi Mi Island Hope, a soulful ode to the country that has her allegiance. 

Second and third place Festival Song winners Trishmaq (left) and Sister Novelette.
Photo credit: JCDC

Other entrants were Pepita (We Are Jamaicans), Dr. Auraiya Hope (Proud Jamaican), Casey Donaldson (Sweet Jamaica), Lex MD (Jah Love This Land), Renzzah (Waa Back Jamaica), Reggae Maxx (Better Jamaica) and Trisstar (Jamaica Jamaica). 

Jamaica Festival Song finalists performing a medley during Saturday’s finale at the Jamaica College auditorium in Kingston.
Photo credit: JCDC

All songs are available across several digital streaming platforms. 

The finalists, except a sick Trisstar, performed a medley of previous Festival songs including Eric Donaldson’s This is the Land of My Birth, Tinga Stewart’s Play Di Music, The Astronauts’ Born Jamaican and New Jamaica (Sing Along) by Stanley Beckford & The Starlights. 

Special guest performers included last year’s winner Slashe and gospel act Kevin Downswell.