X-Ale delivers an awesome performance.

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Deejay Gunty was yesterday declared the winner of the Jamaica Culutral Devlopment Commission's (JCDC) Popular Song contest after the voting process was completed.

But it was smooth sailing for the contestants as they performed at the finals of the competition last Saturday night at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.The nine contestants performed cover pieces and then their original in an effort to garner more votes from the public to win the coveted title and receive $1 million. Emcee Jerry D took the stage in a festive mood minutes after 8:00 p.m., announcing that each year the JCDC honours an artiste who has made a worthwhile contribution to regional music. This year, the crown prince of reggae, Dennis Brown, was honoured.

The contestants honoured the big man by performing a medley of his songs such as Here I Come. DJ Chicago was up first, a contestant in last year's competition, he attempted to sing Mavado's Gullyside, however, his voice did not match the song. The crowd still felt the vibes as he went into She Royal. Kavajah went roots with In The Streets and One Blood. The trio X-Ale was a female favourite as they were easy on the eyes and ears, singing Love And Affection.

As Jerry D was quick to point out, this year was truly an evolution from the festival-type songs of the past as the contestants moved with the times and the culture. Backed by the Impulse band, Akewa flowed on stage with John Legend's Ordinary People. Torch lit the rasta fire with 'Till Shiloh and Gunty had an almost-identical Bounty Killer voice. Gunty got major forwards from the crowd with the song Three Di Hard Way, where he imitated Bounty Killer, Zebra and Demus. Majah Bless brought a policeman on stage for his song, as he sang of the strife in the country.

Crowd support

Antonio West in full flight. - file photos Antonio West came out singing a little Beres Hammond before David Slew ended the first segment. While the night started off with a small crowd, the seats at the Ranny Williams Centre slowly filled as patrons held their posters and placards proclaiming their favourite. The crowd was urged to text in before 6:00 a.m. yesterday morning when the ballots would be locked.

Chicago graced the stage again with his original piece Been There, Kavajah performed Stand Strong as he urged the crowd to do just that. X-Ale hailed the Taxi Man and Akewa sang to the ladies Be My Lover. Gunty followed up with the women's hit Woman A Di Beauty and Antonio West crooned Needing You More. David Slew added a little life to his set with pictures of famous Jamaican women as he sang Jamaican Woman and Majah Bless sang Hey Jamaica.

Minutes to 11:00 p.m., after a good night of performances from the up-and-coming contestants, pandemonium erupted as the gangsta ras Munga Honourable took the stage. The majority of females in the crowd rushed to the front to grab and get a hold of the star. Munga was in true form as he sang bits and pieces of the majority of his songs, from Bad From Mi Born, Nuh Bad Like I, Flipping Rhymes, to Take My Place and more. He exited the stage to be called back for two encores where he performed In Her Arms, Gangsta Ras and more.

To end the night, the nine contestants did their last act together, which was another tribute to Dennis Brown.

Kavajah performs at the JCDC Popular Song finals at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

Gunty

Torch at the JCDC Popular Song finals at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Saturday.