Chris christie (left) and Oba Simba (right)

The top 10 in the Festival Song 2K9 competition faced the public as finalists for the first time last Wednesday night at the Ranny Williams Centre, Hope Road, St Andrew, Jerry D presenting each with quips and general fun.

As it was the competition's official launch, there wasn't a horde of eagle-eyed fans on hand to magnify each flaw and howl for every hint of quality. Still, those who turned out had something to cheer for in the varied quality of performances which followed the more formal part of the evening. That included Dahlia Harris' overview of the competition and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange's remarks about Festival Song 2K9.

rock the nation

Jerry D referred several times to Grange's desire to find a song that will rock the nation. The first performer attempting to present such a song was CC Blake, who held a hand up high as he ended his declaration of love for Jamaica, Love a Likkle Island Ya.

Winston Hussey's shoe echoed on the stage as he stomped for emphasis during Take Back Jamaica, Jerry D commenting "that is undoubtedly a performer". Calvin McPherson's Nuff Niceness includes the line "opportunities still exist/no bodda for everyting soon criss".

Pretty Rebel served up different fare from the accustomed and expected festival song entry, delivering lyrics which are closer to dancehall ("a Bounty sister that/nuh a Pretty Rebel") than the standard patriotism. There were cheers at the announcement of Tinga Stewart, who sang Make The Best of Today, while Oba Simba dispensed with the cane he leaned on initially to skank to Feel The Pressure.

roadshow

Chris Christie did her entry Jam Rock Land of the King, which ended to a chorus of 'whoo!' from the audience. Nathan's entry is The Vibes and Jerry D seemed more taken with the singer than the song when Stacia did Love Jamaica, declaring "I want to meet that song!"

The men agreed.

Lester Lewis, accompanied by his wife Singing Rose, closed off the Festival Song 2K9 performances with Love You Jamaica, Jerry D calling extra attention to Lewis' long yellow shoes at the end.

The rest of the island will get a chance to see the top 10, as the 'I Believe in Jamaica' roadshow series started yesterday, stopping at the Spanish Town Bus Terminus, downtown Kingston and Yallahs Square, St Thomas. On Friday the stops are in Buff Bay, Portland, at 11 a.m., Gayle Square, St Mary, at 2 p.m. and Brown's Town, St Ann, at 5:30 p.m.

There will also be roadshows on Saturday, July 11, Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18.

The final show is on Sunday, July 18, in Junction, St Elizabeth, at 8 p.m.