Abigail “Abi-D” Dunstan was crowned winner of the 2025 Jamaica Festival Song Competition on Saturday night with her patriotic anthem Sweet JA, earning the top spot through a combination of public and judges’ votes.
The announcement was made at a lively results show held at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew, where Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, presented the coveted Festival Song Trophy. Alongside national recognition, the win also carries a $3 million cash prize to be shared equally among Dunstan, the songwriter, and the producer in recognition of their collaborative work.
Brother C and Jegz claimed second place for their entry Come Mek Wi Rally, while third place went to Raldene “Loaded Eagle” Dyer with JamDung. Brother C and Jegz were also named Best Performer of the night.
Chief Judge Owen Brown revealed that this year’s competition drew more than 160 submissions from across the island. “After a meticulous selection process, our panel of experienced musical professionals selected the top 10 finalists, who were evaluated on originality, lyrical strength, cultural relevance, production quality and overall performance,” he said.
The remaining finalists included Askia Livingstone (Nation Vow), Romane Ingram (Deh Pon Mi Mind), Oliver Ashley (Jamaica You Have It All), Jonah Jack (Vision Jamaica), Jules Clarke (A Jam Dung Dis), Christopher Laing (Jamaica is Big Big Everywhere), and Randeen “N-Rich” Thomas (Naah Leave).
Saturday’s event also featured performances from reggae icon Richie Spice and last year’s winner Kimiela “Candy” Isaacs, who performed her 2024 winning song #One Jamaica. The night closed with high energy performances from this year’s finalists and a dazzling drone show.
Now in its 59th year, the Jamaica Festival Song Competition—organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) under the Ministry of Culture—continues to celebrate the island’s rich musical heritage by spotlighting original songs that embody the spirit and identity of the Jamaican people.
