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August 04, 2009
GAMEL GRANT WINS 2009 GOSPEL FINALS
Two times a charm for Gamel Grant and producer Couric Clarke. After placing second last year with the song “Remember Heaven”, the duo returned to take top honours on Sunday at the finals of the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition 2009 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Grant’s entry, ‘Take Me to Jesus’ beat out nine other contestants for the $500,000 cash prize courtesy of Grace Tropical Rhythms, the JCDC Gospel Trophy, a cellular phone courtesy of Digicel and a recording contract from Main Street Studio, among other prizes.
Placing second was Kimiela Isaacs, who copped $150,000 for her entry “Reassurance” as well as the sectional award for “Best Performer” which earned her an additional $50,000 in prize money, courtesy of sponsors Digicel Jamaica. Isaacs also took home the Word Time Ministries trophy. Musician and singer, Andre Wright earned third place with his entry “Man O God”, taking home $100,000, a trophy, and other prizes. The top three received performance training scholarships compliments of Joy Music Limited.
The “Popular Vote” prize of a cellular phone from Digicel and recording contract for a single from Dannymakka Productions Gospel Sound Studio was awarded to Nickette Morgan who received the most text votes for her entry “Wherever I Go”. Other prizes included the “Allowed to Shine Ministries Award”, presented to Kimola Brown, who collected $10,000 and a trophy as the most congenial finalist. Each finalist received a gold medals and $20,000 courtesy of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), bibles courtesy of the Word Time Ministries Ltd and gift packages from Grace Tropical Rhythms.
The other entry songs included “Buss Out” by Leo Lewis , “I Have Your Mercy” by Fabian Wright , “ You Are” by duo Tobi Gay Maxwell and Gilhiesa Smith, “Jehovah Nah Sleep” by Omar Douglas, “Weh Yu a Worry Fah” by Brinetta Lewis and Brown’s “Sen Down”. Gospel recording artiste and former Jamaica Gospel finalist, Jabez and the RB Gospel Singers provided additional entertainment, while prayers were offered by Rev. Peter Garth and Rev. Ronald Blair.