Exco Levi, the five-time JUNO Awards winner and highly acclaimed reggae/dancehall artist from Canada, has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious 2023 Jamaica Festival Song Competition. The competition, which showcases the vibrant musical heritage of Jamaica, chose Levi’s entry ‘Feel Like Home’ and nine other quality songs to compete for this year’s coveted title.
As a JUNO Awards nominee on twelve occasions, Exco Levi has already made a name for himself in the music industry, both in Canada and internationally. However, this nomination holds special significance for him, as it marks his recognition within his home country.
Expressing his gratitude, Exco Levi said, “I grew up listening to festival songs from ‘Cherry oh Baby’ to ‘Baba Boom’ and many other great songs”. “To have a nomination this year means a lot to me because most of my musical achievements and accolades are overseas. To be recognized in my own country is an amazing feeling,” the ‘Wah Gwaan’ singer continued. He further emphasized that this is the perfect opportunity for Jamaica to witness the incredible body of work he has contributed to under the banner of Jamaica.
Exco Levi will be competing against the renowned Eric Donaldson, a seven-time winner of Jamaica’s premier song competition. Donaldson’s entry, ‘Reggae Jamaica’,” undoubtedly brings his immense talent and experience to the forefront, adding to the competition’s excitement.
The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports, in announcing the ten finalists, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition. Minister Grange praised the selection panel, led by veteran music producer Augustus “Gussie” Clarke, for their meticulous work in choosing the songs. With over 200 entries received, the minister described the selection process as a flood of quality submissions, further solidifying the significance of this competition.
The Jamaica Festival Song Competition is set to coincide with the country’s Emancipation and Independence celebration, adding to the festivities and cultural pride that mark this special time of the year.
The ten finalist and their entries are as follows:
- AV & NTE —- ‘Jamaica Ah Mi Yaad’
- Eric Donaldson —– ‘Reggae Jamaica’
- Exco Levi —– ‘Feel Like Home’
- Hot Rod — ‘More Love’
- Lady Denna & The Whole Note Mento Band —– ‘Little Paradise’
- Mento Tones —– ‘Jamaica Mi Born and Grow’
- N-Rich —– ‘Sovereignty’
- Princess Black —– ‘Big Up Mama JA’
- Prince Fabulous —– ‘No Weh Like Yard’
- Slashe —– ‘Best in The World’
