JIIFSC voting ends June 30
Voting to select the seven finalists for the third Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC) ends June 30.
The final is scheduled for July 29 at Shiloh High School Theatre in Snellville, Georgia.
There are 10 semi-finalists, nine from the United States and one representing Canada.
Garfield McCook, founder of the event, told the Jamaica Observer that, “We are attracting new artistes every year and the fan base is widening.”
He added: “My hope is that we will be able to increase our marketing in the Diaspora and attract more corporate sponsorship.”
IRIE by New York-based Goddy Son won the JIIFSC last year. Lavie Lujah, out of Toronto, took the inaugural event in 2021 with Certified Yardie.
Prize money remains the same, with the winner receiving US$8,000, runner-up $4,000, and third place $1,000.
The semi-finalists for the 2023 JIIFSC are Jamaican in Mi, Leon “Le’Tonick” Denton (Ohio); More Jesus For Jamaica, Yvonne Johnson (Georgia); Jamaica Strong, Bobby Dockery (Florida); Jamaica 61, Tania Lou (Canada); A Jamaica Mi Bawn And Grow, Ernel Earlington (Georgia); Island Life, Nikki Spice (Florida); Island Jamaica, Marlon Christy (Georgia); Play Ina We Yaad, Dex Daley (Florida); Miss Jamaica Bad, Pastor Ricky (Georgia); and Land of Wood And Water, Lee “Priest” Johnson (Georgia).