The countdown to the grand final of the sixth annual Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC) is officially underway, with eight talented acts advancing to the semi-final stage ahead of the final event set for July 25 in Snellville, Georgia, United States.
The line-up of semi-finalists brings together a diverse mix of returning contenders and emerging artists spanning four countries, showcasing the global reach of Jamaican cultural pride through music. Leading the contingent of U.S. representatives is returning champion Lee “Priest” Johnson, who took home the top prize at the 2025 competition with his hit track *Jamaica ina mi Blood*. Competing again this year under Georgia’s banner, Johnson will perform his new original entry *One Of A Kind*. Florida sends two contestants to the semi-finals: D Mack, with his track *Jamaica is The Place*, and Owen Silvera, who will present *I Wouldn’t Change A Thing*. Rounding out the U.S. entries is Peter Positive of Pennsylvania, who will take the stage with *Love mi Yard*.
The largest group of semi-finalists hails from Canada, where five Jamaican expats earned their spot in the next round. Ammoye leads this group with his collaborative track *A Yard*, which features legendary artist Lord Sassafrass. The other Canadian contenders are Clement Gordon with *Granny*, Tyson Knight with *Jamaica is A Woman*, Derrick Watson with *All Jamaicans*, and Horace Martin with *Awake*. Completing the eight-person semi-final line-up is Richardo “Bringle Faya” Amos, the first contestant representing Italy, who will perform his entry *Woii*.
In an interview with Jamaica Observer Online, competition founder and lead organizer Dr. Garfield McCook revealed that the contest started with 15 total submitted entries from creators around the world. The next phase of selection will combine scores from a panel of five industry judges with public input via online voting to narrow the field to finalists. The official list of finalists will be revealed to the public on July 1.
The stakes are high for the competing artists, with substantial cash prizes on offer for the top three finishers. The overall winner of the 2024 competition will walk away with a $8,000 USD grand prize, while the second-place runner-up will earn $4,000 USD, and third place will take home $1,000 USD.
Rooted in the tradition of Jamaica’s iconic domestic Festival Song Competition, the JIIFSC was launched in 2021 as a platform for Jamaican creators living abroad to celebrate their cultural heritage and national identity through music. The inaugural edition of the competition was won by Canada-based artist Lavie Lujah with his beloved entry *Certified Yardie*.