Festival Song Competition finalists revealed

The names of the Top-10 finalists in the 2026 Jamaica Festival Song Competition,  have been disclosed. Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange made the announcement following an exhilarating semi-final showcase held on May 16 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St. Andrew, where 31 talented semi-finalists delivered vibrant performances. After careful deliberation, the judges selected the 10 entries that will move forward in the competition.

The finalists were selected by a panel comprising Festival Song icon and Chief Judge Roy Rayon, producer Omar ‘SmartKid’ Currie, producer Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton, and recording artiste Alaine. The entries were evaluated based on lyrical content, originality, vocal delivery, stage presentation, and overall appeal.

The Top-10 finalists are Aba Jones from Clarendon with Teet A Fi Me; Elton Earlington from Kingston and St. Andrew with Proud a Jamaica; Melbourne Douglas, also known as D Burns, from Kingston and St. Andrew with I Love Jamaica; Ovando Levy from St. Catherine with Jamaica School (Bingi Ling); Tricia Cunningham from Hanover with I am Jamaican; Junior McCalla from St. Catherine with I’m From Jamaica; Solomon Walters from Clarendon with Jamaica Woie; Beverley Henry from St. Catherine with Jamaica Pon Di App; Christina Evans from Kingston and St. Andrew with Jamaica a fiwi island; and Latanya Stampp from Kingston and St. Andrew with My Jamaica, Land of Festivals.

The semi-final competition showcased a vibrant mix of musical styles and original compositions, all highlighting themes of patriotism, unity, laughter, and Jamaican identity.

Minister Grange commended the contestants for the high standard displayed throughout the competition and encouraged Jamaicans to support the finalists as they continue their journey toward the coveted Festival Song title.

“The Jamaica Festival Song Competition continues to serve as a powerful platform for showcasing our creativity, culture, and national pride through music. The performances this year were exceptional, and I congratulate all the semi-finalists for their outstanding efforts. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Competition, and it will be a very special and exciting celebration of Jamaica’s musical legacy. I encourage Jamaicans everywhere to support the finalists as we celebrate another exciting season of Festival,” Minister Grange stated.

The Jamaica Festival Song Competition remains one of the country’s most anticipated cultural programmes and forms an integral part of the annual Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

The presentation show is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Over the coming weeks, the finalists will participate in promotional activities, media appearances, and public performances leading up to the grand finale in July, with three million dollars and the national title on the line.