She is a certified auto technician and she’s also a police constable. But on Sunday night Jaida Messam was named the 2024 winner of the Jamaica Gospel Star competition.

Messam walked away with a cash prize of $1 million.

The constable, who is assigned to Area 1 headquarters operations (which covers St James, Hanover, Trelawny and Westmoreland), was shocked when her name was announced winner in the competition.

“I was shocked, everyone else believed in me when I didn’t see it fit to. I believe that this is not about self, this is all God’s doing. It feels good to be the winner,” Messam told the
Jamaica Observer backstage shortly after the competition unfolded inside the National Indoor Sports Arena.

The competition began in June with ten contestants.
Messam won from a field of five finalists. The other finalists were Kenneka Rust, Shauna Kaye McArthur, Donica Dennis Chambers, and Darren Grant.

Chambers finished in third place, while Rust was named first runner-up.

The Spirit of Praise award, which was selected by the top ten, was awarded to Robert Brodber, who received $30,000.

Messam, who is from John’s Hall district in St James, said she was encouraged by friends to enter the Jamaica Gospel Star competition.

“It was the encouragement of friends… that led me to it… What God is doing for me, I just have to listen to his voice and do what he wants me to do,” said Messam.

Prior to the announcement of the winner, the finalists each performed an original song, much to the delight of the audience. The finalists then performed duets with established acts.

Messam was paired with Kevin Downswell, while Rust partnered with Alicia Taylor. McArthur performed with Rhoda Isabella, while Chambers tag teamed with Johnmark Wiggan. Darren Grant performed with Lubert Levy.

Asked what she hoped to accomplish from winning the Jamaica Gospel Star title, Messam said: “I will be going places; I want to spread the word of God in so many different places. This journey has opened my eyes to so many different things.”