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Friday | June 2, 2000
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Gospel Festival 2000 in fine style
JAMAICA Gospel Festival 2000 was launched in fine style at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday night.
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission in association with Life Productions Ltd, gave the audience an appetiser of what is to come later this year. That, they will have to wait for when the 11 confirmed finalists meet for the showdown.
The finalists were presented to the appreciative audience including Minister of Local Government, Youth and Community Development Arnold Bertram.
Mr. Bertram, in highlighting the importance of gospel music, said efforts were underway to have gospel music marketed overseas. He said also that every product should be regarded as competing on the international scene.
These sentiments were also expressed by Dale Flynn, Managing Director of Life Productions Ltd.
He said the gospel festival has paid out millions of dollars to song-writers as well as the artistes but there was even brighter news as he too spoke about the great benefits to be derived from marketing gospel music overseas.
Speeches aside, Glacia Robinson, the 1998 Gospel Festival winner, gave a soul-stirring performance.
The excerpts performed from this year's gospel finalists had everyone singing along.
Fitzroy Blackman, with his reggae flavoured entry, Faith was lively and entertaining.
The third excerpt - a church group representing the Celebration Mass Choir was soothing, while Noreta Lewis and Friends brought the house down with I'll Make It Through The Valley. Her powerful voice mellowed by age captivated everyone. Many danced in their seats, while others stood and sang along.
And in the true spirit of togetherness all the finalists joined Noreta on stage ending what was a launch to be remembered.
Last year's Gospel Finals which took place at the National Arena attracted over six thousands persons.
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