ORVILLE Sutherland is attempting to walk in the footsteps of his fellow Clarendonian Howard Brown. Brown was last year’s winner of

the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Festival Competition.

With his entry Cool Shade, Sutherland, 27, is one of the 10 finalists in this year’s competition. The final is scheduled for the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew, on Sunday, July 27.

A member of the Pennant Wood Pentecostal Church, he said he aspires to be a global gospel music figure. He was part of the now-defunct mass choir Shabach.

Sutherland, who was encouraged by his father, said the inspiration for Cool Shade’s lyrics came about after he started thinking of how blessed he really is.

“I might not have all the material things I desire, but just knowing the Lord, in all mercy, allows me to be physically able, mentally capable, and free to worship him is enough for me,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

He said making the cut into the final 10 has been a truly wonderful experience.

“Considering how many others did not get such opportunity, the experience is great. Meeting new people and learning new stuff from our trainers is a lovely experience,” he said.

Looking ahead, Sutherland said he is quite confident.

He is hoping just being a finalist will give him a lot more visibility and help take his career to the next level.