Day 2 of the National Music Finals of the Jamaica Festival of the Performing Arts ended on a high note on Tuesday, April 29, as performers as young as three lit up the Little Theatre stage in St. Andrew with extraordinary talent. From vocalists to instrumentalists, these talented competitors from across the island vied for national titles, proving they were not just parish champions but worthy contenders for top national honours in their respective categories.

Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the event continued the high standards set on Day One, with several competitors earning multiple awards. Among them was Seana’kaye Wright, representing Kingston and St. Andrew, who delivered an emotionally charged performance of Alabaster Box. Her poised stage presence and expressive vocals earned her the titles of Best Class 6 Gospel Solo and Best Class 6 Vocal Jazz Solo. “This stage helped me rediscover my voice,” Wright shared. “It doesn’t just shape performers; it shapes people.” Having started her journey with JCDC as a child, Wright’s return was not just a performance—it was a homecoming.

Another unforgettable moment came from young Nolan Collignon of Montego Bay Christian Academy in St. James. With a soulful and confident rendition of Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, Collignon brought the house down, winning Best Class 2 Vocal Jazz Solo and leaving the audience buzzing.

The day also featured impressive group performances. Bethlehem Moravian College took home two major trophies for Best Class 6 Gospel Choir and Best Class 6 Vocal Jazz Choir. Other notable winners included Na’Quan Brown of Greater Destiny Prep & Kindergarten in St. James (Best Class 2 Vocal Gospel Solo), Rusea’s High School from Hanover (Best Class 5 Vocal Jazz Choir), Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland (Best Class 7 Vocal Jazz Ensemble), and Oracabessa High in St. Mary (Best Class 6 Gospel Ensemble). Mona Preparatory from Kingston & St. Andrew claimed Best Class 2 Gospel Choir, while The Manning’s School in Westmoreland earned top honors for Best Class 5 Stage Band.

As voices soared and instruments resonated, Day Two ended not only with applause but with a powerful affirmation of the incredible talent blossoming across the island.

The National Finals continue with Speech performances from Wednesday, April 30 to Friday, May 2 at the Little Theatre. The music segment resumes with Drumfest on Monday, May 5, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, before returning to the Little Theatre on May 6 and 8.