Jamaica has again set out to break another world record. The latest initiative is being led by the National Commercial Bank (NCB), which is aiming to produce a song which is three hours long.
The title of the longest song ever released in The Guinness Book of World Records is currently held by PC III label Pipe Choir (USA).
In 2015, the choir released their song called, In The Garden(2015), of over 500 verses, which is three hours, one minute and 55 seconds long.
“Although small in size, this little country has shaped the world of music, food, art, sports and much more and has performed way above what our size may convey,” Nichole Brackett-Walters, NCB’s group marketing and communications manager, told THE STAR.
In August, people were invited to submit a verse of at least 30 seconds for consideration.
Brackett-Walters reported that since submissions closed at the end of the month, the original goal of 550 verses (to reflect Jamaica 55) was surpassed, with a final count of 554.
Brackett-Walters said NCB is currently compiling the song “to see if we have beaten the record of three hours.”
TRIFECTA CELEBRATION
The ‘Champion JA: #1 is in our DNA’ campaign, hailing every Jamaican as a ‘real champion’, was designed in recognition of a trifecta of celebrations; the 180th anniversary of NCB, the 137th anniversary of the Alpha Institute (formerly Alpha Boys’ School) and Jamaica’s 55th anniversary of independence.
A Nicky-B produced dancehall tune makes the soundtrack of the campaign and the blueprint of the song.
“NCB wanted a jingle. They said they wanted it to be a song that Jamaicans felt proud to hear,” Nicky B told THE STAR, explaining that he was one of many producers approached. “It was actually a bid; other producers did it as well. After we submitted our track, we got a call saying they wanted to make it into the longest song in the world. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”
He revealed that the past weekend was spent listening over each accepted vocal submission three times. The submissions are now being compiled by The Lab multimedia studio.
Brackett-Walters said along with the voices of everyday Jamaicans, the campaign attracted the participation of several rising stars, including SMR (Singer Meets Rapper), an upcoming group.
Each week during the campaign, fans were allowed to vote for their favorite submissions, setting up lucky contributors for weekly prizes of $55,000 and a grand prize of $180,000.
SMR was awarded the grand prize after earning the most public votes.
The final product will be submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records this month, but only after being professionally mastered and released on Apple iTunes for sale.
All the proceeds from the song will be in aid of The Alpha Institute.
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