4 months ago
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Jaida Messam, the woman constable with the powerful voice and a commanding stage presence, sang her way into the judges' hearts to cop the title 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star at the finale of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competition on Sunday night.
Her Sovereign God Medley and God is Moving which featured Kevin Downswell sealed the deal on a night which saw power-packed, spirit-filled performances from all five finalists inside the National Indoor Sports Centre. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the offerings and totally endorsed the winner.
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When Woman Constable Messam who is attached to the Area One headquarters, heard her name as the winner, she was visibly surprised. With her head slightly bowed, Messam appeared to gasp for breath as she placed her hand over her heart, smiling the smile of the triumphant.
"I never saw it coming," a joyful Messam told The Gleaner during a post-announcement interview. "Others persons were saying that I would win, but I was like 'Nah'. I don't know why I was doubting myself. But God... He knows what He is doing."
Born and raised in John’s Hall District in St James, Messam has been entering JCDC competitions from she was attending Irwin Primary School in the parish and later St James High. It was the JCDC parish officers who, aware of her vocal prowess, encouraged Messam to enter.
With a cash prize of one million dollars, and the opportunity to elevate her ministry and "reach souls that are lost" Messam, who is Seventh day Adventist, is certainly glad that she did.
"I wanted the exposure and I needed growth. Travelling all the way from the west end two and sometimes three times per week was a bit challenging. But the end result is rewarding. I want for persons not to see a woman police but a worshipper ... Jaida Messam the worshipper. I want to be in the places that are unthinkable. I want to reach souls that are lost," she emphasised.
The five finalists were Kenneka Rust, Donica Dennis Chambers, Darren Grant, Jaida Messam and Shauna-Kaye McArthur, who was eliminated but returned on a ‘Saved by Grace’ ticket issued by the judges.
The other winners were Donica Dennis Chambers, who placed third; Kenneka Rust in second place and Robert Brodber, who received the Spirit of Praise Award.
Jamaica Gospel Star 2023, Oral Lawson, performed in first half of the programme and reminded those present exactly why he is a Gospel Star.
The second half featured the 2024 edition of Jamaica Praise, which saw rousing performances from Johnmark Wiggan, Alicia Taylor, Rhoda Isabella, Kevin Downswell, and Chevelle Franklyn, who brought the curtains down at 11:50 p.m. with a prayer.
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