JCDC Kulcha Buzz-Issue 1.pub - Jamaica Cultural Development

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From the Desk of the Executive Director
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) now in its 51st year of existence, continues to play
a pivotal role in the development, promotion and preservation of Jamaica’s culture through year-long
programme of cultural activities.
Through strategies and policies, we have sought to respond to national cultural needs, for the upward
mobility of the Jamaican people and for the building of Brand Jamaica. We recognize that to achieve this
end, we must have the support of Jamaicans at home and abroad. It is with this perspective that I encourage
all Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to support our mandate of Cultural Excellence. Jamaica is a beautiful
island blessed with a rich culture and a vibrant history that must be preserved, promoted and showcased.
We want to keep you abreast of our initiatives and programmes and so we are pleased to introduce our
Quarterly E-Newsletter, Kulcha Buzz. Our aim is to highlight the activities, promotion and preservation of
Jamaica’s rich culture.
We look forward to your support and encourage you to share this publication with your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Delroy Gordon, JP
Executive Director
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission
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JCDC Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Coronation
The Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre was the hub of activities for the 2014 Jamaica Festival Celebrations from
July 19 to August 5, 2014. The JCDC continues to provide wholesome entertainment for the entire family by producing various events from the numerous talents that emerge from the competitions.
The celebration kicked off with the highly anticipated Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Grand Coronation which saw the
13 talented and intelligent young ladies competed for the coveted title of JCDC Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2014. The
competition was held under the theme, “Jamaican Women…Shaping Our Culture And Our Nation”. Below are some of
the highlights from the coronation.
2014 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen, Anjell Bryan is all
smiles after being crowned at the Ranny Williams
Entertainment Centre. She is flanked by 1st runner-up
Sharlene Codner and 2nd runner-up Honica Brown.
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AUNTY ROACHY FILM, TELEVISION & LITERARY ARTS FESTIVAL
The Aunty Roachy Film, Television and Literary Festival was held as part of the 2014 Jamaica Festival Celebration.
The Festival kicked off with a Book Fair themed, “Lunchtime Book Stew”. The Book Fair also encompassed mini
book launches, play and dramatic readings, an Open Mic Poetry Slam, the Jamaica Cultural Development
Commission Creative Writing Showcase and a tribute to Professor Eddie Baugh.
Patrons were be able to view television segments which featured Hon. Louise Bennett -Coverley tributes and
reflections while an impressive collection of short films was shown to close out the Festival. Below are some of the
highlights.
The Big Stage National Finals
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The Big Stage Competition was reintroduced to the JCDC’s 2014 calendar of activities to identify, promote and train
talents in the areas of: Dance, Singing, Dee Jay, Stand-up Comedy, Novelty Acts, Signing and Miming. The
competition was opened to Jamaicans of all ages both male and female and began at the community level.
Over 1000 entries were received from the community searches and the top 25 in each parish competed for a place in
the finals. The top two performers were selected from each parish in the various categories to compete at the National
Finals.
The national finals was the second major event for Jamaica Festival held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre
Aston Cooke, JCDC Board Chairman presents the
national trophy to Shauna Williams, winner of The
Big Stage National Finals.
Marjorie Leyden-Vernon, JCDC Director of Field
Services presents the 2nd place trophy to Marlon
McKenzie in the JCDC Big Stage National Finals.
Pamela Redwood, JCDC Commissioner presents 3rd place
trophy to Solomon Small, in the JCDC Big Stage National
Finals.
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Jamaica Gospel Song Grand Finals Highlights
The 2014 Jamaica Gospel Song Competition was highly competitive one in which the contestants face-off in an
intense battle for the 2014 title. The competition was held under the theme: ‘Moving Forward’. All the finalists gave
impressive performances but it was the “Prayer Warrior”, Keneisha Smith came out the winner.
Below are some of the highlights:
Hon. Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth & Culture
presents the winning trophy to Keneisha Smith ,
winner of the 2014 Jamaica Gospel Song
Competition. She also won Best Lyrics and Best
Performance Awards.
Aston Cooke, JCDC Board Chairman presents 2nd
place trophy to Orville Sutherland in the 2014
JCDC Jamaica Gospel Song Competition.
Delroy Gordon, JCDC Executive Director presents 3rd
place trophy to Adrian Dell in the 2014 JCDC Jamaica
Gospel Song Competition.
2014 Mello Go Roun’ was “Mello Mystic”
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The 2014 JCDC Mello Go Roun’ was held under the theme, “It’s Mello Mystic”. The show featured the most
entertaining pieces from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Festival of the Performing
Arts Competition in speech, music, dance and traditional folk forms.
Mello Go Roun’ is the premier family entertainment event for the Jamaica Festival period. Each year the audience
looks forward to an evening of excellent entertainment from the performers as the JCDC continues to unearth,
develop and showcase the creative talents and expressions of the Jamaican people.
Below are the highlights:
“I LOVE JA” IS THE 2014 JAMAICA FESTIVAL SONG
The 2014 Jamaica Festival Song Competition was held under the theme, “A New Day”. When the finalists made
their grand entrance on motorcycles, they had the audience on their feet in excitement. This excitement continues
throughout the night with their energetic performances, however, it was Rushane Sanderson also known as Deep
Jahi with his entry “I Love JA” who emerged the winner of the 2014 Jamaica Festival Song Competition.
Aston Cooke, JCDC Board Chairman presents the
winning trophy to Rushane Sanderson also known as
Deep Jahi, winner of the 2014 Jamaica Festival Song
Competition.
Delroy Gordon, JCDC Executive Director presents 2nd
place trophy to Sanjay 'Sanj' Thompson in the 2014
Festival Song Competition. He also received sectional
prizes for Best Performance and the Voters Choice
Award.
Dylan Powe, JCDC Board of Commissioner
presents 3rd place trophy to Sujae Johnson known
as” Kahani' in the 2014 Festival Song Competition.
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THE HEART OF SKA FESTIVAL
The Heart of Ska Festival was a new addition to the Jamaica Festival 2014 celebrations which sought to revive the once
popular genre. The programme featured film presentations, exhibitions showcasing photos and artifacts of The
Skatalites and The Ska Era, panel discussions, Interactive competitions, all day entertainment and the best ‘Duppy’
Bands from across the island.
The highlight for the Festival was the main concert in the evening which focused on ‘Ska Rebirth’ led by master
drummer Sparrow Martin and included Skalareg, Eric Monty Morris- original lead singer of the Skatalites, Derrick
Morgan- crowned "the King of Ska" by the people of Jamaica and the most prolific hit maker of the initial Ska Era,
Stranjah Cole and Bunny & Skully. The special guest performer was American Jazz Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis.
The performances were backed by Fab 5.
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2014 DUTCHIE CULINARY FESTIVAL
The Dutchie Culinary Festival was another new and exciting addition to the Jamaica Festival celebrations . The festival
showcased the culinary artistry of semi professionals from colleges, training institutes, restaurants and budding chefs
using Jamaican foods in creative and artistic ways.
The festival also featured live cooking demonstrations, celebrity cook-off and mixology competitions, vegetable and
fruit carvings displays. The competitors also vie for the Golden Dutch Pot. Below are the highlights:
Ms. Pamela Redwood, JCDC Board of Commissioner presents the
2014 JCDC Golden Dutchie Award to Romain Stanley, in the 2014
Dutchie Culinary Festival.
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Dutchie Culinary Festival Highlights Cont’d
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World Reggae Dance Championship Highlights
In a highly charged dance atmosphere, the Endevarous Dancers won the 2014 World Reggae Dance Championship title
over the Japanese who held the title for the past two years and several other local competitors. In what was a heated
battle, the Endevarous Dancers received the audience stamp of approval when they performed some impressive dance
moves from the late dancer Bogle.
Along with cash award and trophy, the winner also received a return trip to Japan to perform at the One Love Jamaica
Festival. The competition continues to give national and international exposure to talents that exist in Reggae, Roots and
Dancehall genres.
Hon. Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth & Culture presents trophy to Endeavors dancers, winner of 2014
JCDC World Reggae Dance Championship.
Untouchable Squad second place winner in the World
Reggae Dance Competition. Sharing in the moment are
Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum Brand Manager,
Pietro Gramegna (left) and Wray and Nephew Group
Brand Manager, Cecil Smith.
Equanoxx Skankaz, third place winner in the World
Reggae Dance Competition. Sharing in the moment
are Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum Brand
Manager, Pietro Gramegna (left) and Wray and
Nephew Group Brand Manager, Cecil Smith.
An Evening With Miss Lou
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The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) celebrated the life and contributions of the late Dr. the Hon.
Louise Bennett-Coverly, OM, OJ, MBE on the 95th anniversary of her birth with an event entitled 'An Evening With
Miss Lou’ Concert & Exhibition at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre in Kingston. Patrons were entertained with
performances from Fae Ellington, Amina Blackwood-Meeks, Deon Silvera, Karen Harriott-Wilson and Sheldon
Shepherd. Special tributes were also made by Scotiabank Singers, Jamaica Customs Agency Choir, Emerson Barrett,
Katrina Grant-D’Aguilar, Weston Haughton and Barbara Gloudon.
Amelia Blackwood Meeks tells a story at the Miss Lou
Birthday Celebration. Looking on is Deon Silvera
surrounded by children from the Mona Preparatory
School.
Katrina Grant-D’Aguilar, 2008 JCDC Miss
Jamaica Festival Queen performs her tribute
to Miss Lou.
A Section of the audience enjoys the concert.
Scotia Bank Singers sang their hearts out in celebration of Miss
Lou.
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MUSICIANS HONOURED DURING GRAND GALA
The highly anticipated Grand Gala was held as part of the celebration of Jamaica’s 52nd year of Independence. The
celebration was held under the theme: “This is Jamaica…My Jamaica.” Performers were dressed in colourful
costumes showcasing different formations of the Blue and John Crow Mountains. The mountains were nominated by
the Ministry of Youth and Culture for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its unique vegetation and
inhabitants.
Jamaican singers Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor and the Skatalites were also honoured during the show for their
50 years of contribution to the Jamaican music industry. The Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson
Miller made the presentations to them . Below are the highlights:
Bandana Fashion Show Highlights
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As part of the celebration to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the birth of the late Dr. the Hon. Louise BennettCoverly, the JCDC hosted a best dress bandana competition. Here are some of the outstanding designs:
JCDC MANCHESTER HONOURS CULTURAL ICONS
The JCDC Manchester Parish Office in association with the Manchester Parish Library hosted a concert,
storytelling session and exhibition dubbed “Miss Lou Sinting” on September 11 at the Manchester Parish
Library. The exhibition was officially opened by Mrs. Doreth Jones, niece of Ranny ‘Maas Ran’ Williams.
This was held in honour of the late Cultural icon, Dr. the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverly and her counterpart
Randolph “Maas Ran” Williams whose work helped to place Jamaica on the cultural world map. A number
of schools were in attendance and also featured performances from St. Joseph Preparatory, McIntosh
Memorial Primary, Mt. Olivet Primary and other schools and also drew on the storytelling talents of the
JCDC staff.
Viewers at the opening of the 2014 exhibition on Miss
Lou and Maas Ran at the Manchester Parish Library.
Mrs. Doreth Jones, niece of the late Ranny
Williams and Vice-Chair of the JCDC
Manchester Public Relations Committee and
Mrs. Vivien Morris-Brown, JCDC Manchester
Cultural Organizer, officially declared the 2014
exhibition on Miss Lou and Maas Ran open.
JOAN SHIELDS RECEIVES
ARTS & CULTURE AWARD
Miss Joan Shields, Leader of the Trelawny Song and Dance
Ensemble, is the 2014 recipient of the Butch Stewart Community Service Award for Arts & Culture. She was nominated earlier this year by the JCDC Trelawny Parish Office. The
luncheon and award ceremony was held on September 24,
2014 at the Sandals Grand Riviera in Ocho Rios.
She has garnered several awards over the year which includes
the Governor General Parish Award in 2009, the Trelawny
Parish Council in association with JCDC Appreciation
Award in 2003 and Outstanding Stalwarts of the Parish 2009.
In August 2007 she was also awarded the highest recognition
in Dance in Jamaica—the prestigious “Ivy Baxter Award for
Dance” at the Festival of the Per for mance Arts Excellence
Awards Ceremony.
Some of the group’s accomplishments under her tutorship
included “Country Wedding” which was awarded “Dance of
the Year” in 1989. Also for the Best Creative F olk
(Juniors), Best Creative Folk (Seniors), Best Use of
Traditional Material, Best Costume, Best Dance Drama,
Best Dance Skit and the Most Outstanding Teacher. In 2007,
the group also won six national awards for “Big Haul” at the
National Festival of the Performing Arts Finals which included Best Creative Folk (Juniors), Best Dance Skit, Best
Creative Folk (Seniors), Best Costume Group and Most Outstanding Teacher.
Mrs. Carla Bingham-Ledgister recipient of the
Community Service Award (right), and Miss Joan
Shields recipient of the Arts and Culture award for
Trelawny and Miss Maureen Green JCDC Trelawny
Cultural Organizer (centre) sharing in the moment.
THE PARISH CULTURAL COMMITTEE SALUTES
MISS JOAN SHIELDS ON HER ACHIEVEMENT.
The Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, OJ,CD, LLD
shares a light moment with recipients of the Butch
Stewart Community Service Award.
JCDC Timeline
1963
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The National Fine Arts, Photography, Culinary, Literary, Dance, Drama, Speech, Music, and Traditional
Folk Forms Competitions were instituted by the Festival Office
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First National Craft Exhibition is held under the auspices of the Festival Office
1964
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Grand Gala is staged for the first time
1966
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Costume Queen competition is hosted for the first time
1968
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Miss Jamaica Competition introduces Miss Independence and Miss Festival titles
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Festival of Fashion began as part of Independence activities. It continues until 1987
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The Festival Office is renamed Festival Commission
1973
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The Festival Song Competition introduces fundamental changes aimed at protecting primary creators.
Copyrights ethics and a general push for standards, professionalism and excellence was promulgated.
The milestone ushered the recognition of the creative role of the composers who were first given due
prominence along with the arrangers, performers and accompanying musicians.
Head Office
3-5 Phoenix Avenue
Kingston 10
Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: (876) 926-5726-9
Fax: (876) 960-4521
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jcdc.gov.jm
© 2014 Kulcha Buzz Quarterly E-Newsletter/ Jamaica Cultural Development Commission
A publication of the Marketing & Public Relations Department
All rights reserved.