Like many Jamaicans who came of age during the 1970’s and 1980’s, the month before independence celebrations in August was exciting for Ripton Thomas. He got to hear finalists in the annual Festival Song Competition.
Known as George Prophet, the singer is one of seven finalists in the Jamaica International Independence Festival Song Competition (JIIFSC), scheduled for July 30 in Snellville, Georgia.
Celebrate is the name of his song, which he produced.
“I’m a patriot, anything to do with my country me in it. Me’s a strong Jamaican no matter where me is,” said Prophet proudly.
The JIIFSC, which is in its second year, is open to Jamaicans living abroad or persons of Jamaican heritage.
George Prophet actually submitted a Song for Jamaican Festival in 2014, but his entry Sweet Sweet Jamaica did not make the cut. He released it shortly after the competition as a “patriotic Jamaican song.”
Based in New Jersey, George Prophet is originally from Portland parish in eastern Jamaica. He performed on many local events before his first song, Give I Faith, was released in 1999.
In 2021 he released Perfect, his debut album.
The other JIIFSC finalists are Lavie Lujah, who won last year’s inaugural contest. Representing Canada, his entry is Jamaica Rise N Shine. Ms. Tania Lou also represents Canada with Gi mi Black Green n Gold. Singer Irie (Mamma Jamaica); Nikki Spice (I Miss You Jamaica); George Prophet (Celebrate); Goddy Son (Irie); and Bobby Dockery (Jamaica Holiday), all representing the United States, completes the field.
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