As an aspiring artist in the 1970s, Singer Irie tuned into Jamaica’s annual Festival Song Competition, hoping one day to get a shot at glory.
He never got that chance but on July 3, his Mamma Jamaica was selected among seven finalists for the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC), scheduled for July 30 in Snellville, Georgia.
One of five acts representing the United States, Singer Irie is pleased to make the cut of a contest he believes gives Jamaicans abroad a chance to express their patriotism.
“As an artist in America, it gives us an opportunity to show our talent. I always loved ‘Festival’ from mi was a youth an’ mi still see Jamaica as a mother — a great mother!” he exclaimed.
Mama Jamaica is produced by Young Lion Production, a company based in the United Kingdom. It was one of several songs recorded for the Young Lion ‘riddim’, but after hearing Singer Irie’s single, music producer/broadcaster Bethynia “Betty Luv” Palmer encouraged him to enter the JIIFSC.
“She said it would be a nice song to enter,” the New York-based artist recalled.
Singer Irie has kept busy in recent months recording for producers including Palmer. She produced his song Mash Up My Head for her Betty Luv entertainment label.
Previously known as Patrick Irie, he changed his moniker in 2017. Born in Kingston, he began recording songs in the early 1980s for producers including Winston “Niney” Holness, Arrows International and Sugar Minott.
After living in the UK for several years, he moved to New York in 2007. He resumed singing in 2013 following a four-year break.
The other finalists in the JIIFSC are Lavie Lujah (Canada) with Jamaica Rise N Shine; Ms. Tania Lou (also representing Canada) with Gi Mi Black Green n Gold; Nikki Spice (I Miss You Jamaica); George Prophet (Celebrate); Goddy Son (Irie); and Bobby Dockery (Jamaica Holiday).
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