About the WRSA Songwriting Competition
Hosted by the legendary Billy Slaughter (of Stone Love fame), in association with the People’s National Party (PNP’s) Member of Parliament (MP) candidate Joan Gordon-Webley, the WRSA Songwriting Competition is a celebration of the constituency’s rich musical heritage for Reggae Month 2025.
Structurally this competition is highlights both the iconic reggae and dancehall stars hailing from the constituency and its future stars.
Disclaimer:
This competition is being held to inspire current West Rural S.t Andrew residents to pursue creative expression. It is also aimed at highlighting and tributing the contributions of West Rural St. Andrew natives and residents to the national sound. No endorsement of the candidate or competitions by these artists intended.
Why the focus on composition/songwriting?
Jamaica’s musical culture (reggae, dancehall, and beyond) has been as much about lyricism as it is about performance. By structuring this music competition the way we have has allowed us to have a dynamic competition that puts the composition talents of emerging stars with the stellar performances of our existing stars.
Our Competition Guidelines
Entry Guidelines:
- Participants must be from one of the four divisions in West Rural St. Andrew: Red Hills, Brandon Hill, Lawrence Tavern, or Stony Hill.
- Participants must rewrite and perform a song originally by one of these famous reggae artists born in West Rural St. Andrew: Richie Spice, Spanner Banner, Pliers, Turbulence, Nesbeth, Culture, Valiant and Jahvinci
- Each song must highlight Joan Gordon-Webley’s vision and values as explained here on www.joangordonwebley.com.
- For example:
- Songs could incorporate our slogan “Your Voice, Your Choice” or “Time Come” in the chorus.
- Songs must be in a reggae style (in honor of Reggae Month).
- For example:
- The rewritten song must not include profanity, violence, or disrespectful content.
How to Enter:
-
- Create a TikTok video featuring your original song.
- Use the official competition hashtags: #JGWVision, #YourVoiceYourChoice, #TimeCome, #ReggaeForWestRural, and Tag the artist whose original song you rewrite.
- In the caption of the post, entrants must include their division (Red Hills, Brandon Hill, Lawrence Tavern, or Stony Hill).
- Post the video on TikTok by February 15th, 2025.
- THEN Submit Your entry by:
- Using the form available HERE
- OR
- Emailing the following details to westruralpnp@gmail.com:
- First name
- Last name
- Date of Birth
- Telephone contact
- Division
- The written lyrics of your entry
- Link to the TikTok video.
Meet West Rural St. Andrew's Superstars
Disclaimer:
This competition is being held to inspire current West Rural S.t Andrew residents to pursue creative expression. It is also aimed at highlighting and tributing the contributions of West Rural St. Andrew natives and residents to the national sound. No endorsement of the candidate or competitions by these artists intended.
Judging Criteria
- Judging Criteria:
- Winners will be determined by TikTok views and engagement (likes, shares, comments)
- To maximize fairness, each division will have at least one shortlisted participant in the top 10 entries, ensuring balanced representation across West Rural St. Andrew
Prizes
- First Place: $50,000 JMD, plus
- TikTok promotion of their video on Joan Gordon-Webley’s campaign account,
- A performance during an on-the-ground campaign event in March.
- Second Place: $30,000 JMD, plus
- A performance during an on-the-ground campaign event in March
- A feature on Joan Gordon-Webley’s campaign account.
- Third Place: $20,000 JMD, plus
- A feature on Joan Gordon-Webley’s campaign account.
- First Place: $50,000 JMD, plus
Timelines
- Competition Launch: February 1st, 2025
- Submission Deadline: February 15th, 2025
- Voting Closes: February 26th, 2025
- Winners Announced: February 28th, 2025