KINGSTON, May 9, 2025 – The stage of the Little Theatre erupted in colour, energy, and artistry as Day 5 of the JCDC Music National Finals came to a thrilling close. From soulful steel pan solos to stirring musical theatre, the event—produced by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport—showcased the finest young talents from across the island, with top-scoring Gold Medalists delivering unforgettable performances.
But it was the Songs from Musicals category that truly stole the spotlight. Young performers transformed the stage into a theatrical wonderland, bringing iconic characters to life with confidence, emotion, and dazzling costumes. Whether channeling the hopeful determination of Annie, the heroism of Hercules, or the reflective wisdom of Into the Woods, each school delivered performances that blended voice, character, and stagecraft with stunning maturity.
Among the standouts was Hillel Academy, whose moving rendition of “Children Will Listen” struck a powerful emotional chord. Teacher Arielle Maddix shared how her students rehearsed during tight 30-minute lunch breaks to bring the piece to life. “Watching them filled me with immense pride. Simply making it to the national finals was a triumph. The progress and growth I have seen in the kids is truly remarkable. The musicals category is a perfect blend of English, literature, and performance, and it sparks creativity and joy,” she said proudly.
Kathryn Roberts, a Class 4 student from Ardenne High, also captivated audiences with her bold solo performance of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” from Grease, embracing the emotional depth of the character Rizzo. “Even though I can’t personally relate to Rizzo, I find her character so complex. I’ve loved Grease for a long time and felt I could do this song justice. I just love to perform,” Kathryn said.
Music Development Specialist Avory Crooks Campbell praised the growth in the musical theatre category: “The musical category is unique because it incorporates theatre—it’s not just music, it is music and drama. Participants must understand the characters, the storyline, and perform with emotion and intent. We have seen real improvement. They are not just singing—they are embodying the stories. It’s beautiful.”
Outside the musical theatre spotlight, equally remarkable performances shone in the Pan Music, Recorder, and Jamaican Popular Music categories. St. Richard’s Primary and York Castle High dominated in the junior and senior Steel Pan classes, respectively. Neil Stewart of Jamaica College emerged as a Recorder standout, winning both his class and the overall award. And in Jamaican Popular Music, Jordan McLennon of Dinthill Technical High School delivered a powerful and memorable solo in Class 5A.
The Music National Finals also marked the grand finale of the 2025 JCDC Festival of the Performing Arts National Finals series—an inspiring celebration of Jamaican youth and culture across Traditional Folk Forms, Speech, Drama, and Dance. The festival wraps up on Friday, May 16, with the Deaf Dance Competition at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, starting at 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.