Lee-Roy ‘Ancient Priest‘ Johnson won the Jamaica Festival Song Competition organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew on Saturday. Mr. Johnson topped this year’s field of 10 competitors, with his entry ‘Celebration Time’. The competition formed part of Emancipation and Independence celebrations, being observed this year under the theme: ‘Proud and Free! Jamaica 53’.
During his performance it was clear that Ancient Priest was one of the favourites, the cheers grew louder when he was announced the winner. With the JCDC trophy, Ancient Priest also walked away with $500,000 and a consolation prize of $30,000 for Best Performer.
Ancient Priest’s was a first runner-up in the JCDC Jamaica Gospel Song Competition 2010 and 2012 emerging with a bevy of prizes including best performance, best lyrics, and best arrangement.
With his ability to play the keyboard, drum, guitar and the trombone, he is a Music Teacher by profession who is presently pursuing his first degree in Music Education at Northern Caribbean University (NCU).
O’Neil ‘Nazzleman’ Scott with his entry ‘Little But Tallawah’, who earned him the First runner-up in 2015 Festival Song Competition and $250,000. Third place went to Sherlette ‘Princess’ Black.
