Early submissions are already signalling positive momentum as the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, opens entries for its 2026 cycle of national Entertainment Arts Competitions – Miss Jamaica Festival Queen, Jamaica Festival Song, and Jamaica Gospel Star.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, noted that the JCDC’s online application portal has only been open for a matter of days, yet the response has been encouraging.
“Already, the Commission has received 68 entries for the Jamaica Festival Song Competition, 56 entries for the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition, and 26 entries for the Jamaica Gospel Star Competition,” Minister Grange said.
Despite the challenges faced in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which impacted the island in October last year, there has been a strong demonstration of enthusiasm and resilience by Jamaicans across the country. This has also been reflected in the entries already submitted to the JCDC for these three popular annual competitions.
“The early entries we have received, even in the face of last year’s challenges, demonstrate the resilience and unwavering cultural spirit of our people. These competitions are more than events; they are platforms for national expression and pride,” said Minister Grange.
The closing date for entry submission is March 31, and Minister Grange is encouraging interested individuals to submit their entry using the portal at www.jcdcawardsplatform.com. She further noted that the competition’s guidelines are available on the JCDC’s website, at the JCDC head office in the Corporate Area, and at the parish offices islandwide.
“Early submissions are usually a strong indicator of the level of interest that exists across the country. So, we are encouraged by what we are seeing so far. We are nowhere near where we want to be, but this means our teams will continue the work that needs to be done to make the 2026 season a memorable one,” said Minister Grange.
The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition, a flagship programme of the JCDC, continues to attract young women who embody intelligence, talent, cultural awareness and a passion for community development. Interest has grown island-wide, particularly following last year’s increase in age eligibility from 25 to 30 years, This year’s competition is therefore expected to showcase another dynamic group of parish queens competing for the national title and the opportunity to win over one million dollars in cash and prizes.
Last year’s winner, Brithney Clarke of Kingston and St. Andrew, is currently executing her project, Read. Speak. Lead., a public speaking and leadership initiative designed to empower young people.
The Jamaica Festival Song Competition, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, remains one of the nation’s most prestigious platforms for original Jamaican music. Known for producing some of Jamaica’s most beloved patriotic and cultural anthems, the competition offers a total of three million in prize money, to be shared among the winning songwriter, producer and performer. Over the decades, it has helped to launch and elevate talents who have made significant contributions to Jamaica’s entertainment landscape.
Similarly, the Jamaica Gospel Star Competition continues to provide a powerful platform for aspiring gospel artistes to share messages of faith, hope and inspiration. More than a talent competition, it is a musical ministry that allows artistes to use their gifts to inspire, heal and uplift communities across Jamaica.