2010 Festival Song winner Delisser ‘Kharuso’ Mcfarlane poses
with 2nd and 3r place winners (left) Salome ‘Nikki Dillion’ Poyser and Phylbert ‘Petrol’ Graham
In a dazzling display of lights and choreography infused with bursts of youthful energy and ‘ole time Festival’ reminiscing, the ten finalists made their final campaign to join the ranks of other past winners including Toots and the Maytals and Eric Donaldson.
In an outstanding victory at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Delisser ‘Kharuso’ McFarlane took top prize in an electrifying and renewed Festival Song Competition finals hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) on Friday, July 30, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
An energetic McFarlane copped the richest prize package in the history of the competition taking home more than 1.1 million dollars in cash and a brand new 2010 Nissan Tiida motor car.
Collecting a mega cheque for one million dollars courtesy of title sponsor Claro and the motor vehicle courtesy of Fidelity Motors, he also copped the sectional award for “Best Performer” valued at $40,000 from Capital & Credit Merchant Bank for his entry “My Jamaica”.
Performances deserving of special mention came from Phylbert ‘Petrol’ Graham, singer and song writer of the entry “Island in the Sun”, who placed second and was awarded $250,000 courtesy of Tastee along with the Claro ‘Voter’s Choice Award’ of further $25,000, a cellular phone and a trophy.
The video for Petrol’s entry directed by Gregory ‘Asha’ McPhail also received the “Best Video” award.
A vibrant Salome ‘Nikki Dillon’ Posyer, the only female in the competition, placed third with her entry ‘Di Land We Love’ and collected $100,000 courtesy of sponsor Real Vibes Party Wine.
Members of an appreciative audience were brought to their feet several times throughout the nights proceedings as the finalists appeared twice, first in the warm up segment followed by a second time to deliver their original entries. Of note was the professional execution of all the finalists who utilized a selection of dancers and prop to enhance their deliveries.
The other competitors included Dennard ‘Marvillus’ Morgan, Eric ‘Papa Whyte’ Whyte, Cleveland ‘Deru’ Cathnott, Winston ‘Bello’ Bell, Augustus ‘Rock Irie’ Francis, Jermaine ‘Mojah Rock’ Blake and duo Christopher ‘Amique’ Earlington and Oniel ‘Nazzle Man’ Scott.
Through the inclusion of modern day flare and new world promotions the JCDC has refreshed and revitalized the 45 year old competition which has produced several musical greats.
The winning song is poised to restore patriotism and national pride across the nation, while forming the musical backdrop for this year’s national independence celebrations being hosted under the theme: “I Believe in Jamaica”.