Local gospel radio station, New Beginning Radio (NBR) held the finale of its annual Christmas Solo Competition last Friday night, December 7th. The event was held, as in past years, at the Church of God (Holiness). The contest invites the participation of singers who have no former published songs on the market to enter.
This year’s first place went to Perry Hughes, a versatile and proficient gospel music personality. His song, “The Christmas Story”, depicts in a calypso rhythm the theme that baby Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb by the Holy Spirit – without the help of a man.
Though Perry is usually involved in the musical arrangement aspect of the competition, this was the third time he had entered as a participating singer – having also grabbed first place position in 2015 with the humorous, but honored, hit “It’s Not a Horn”, and third place in 2016, with his song “No Happy Holidays”. His 2018 first place prize is a seven-day cruise arranged by David Jeremiah’s Turning Point Ministries.
This year’s second place position was captured by Nadika Fenton, a first time participant, with the song, “Shepherds and Kings”. Her song expresses how baby Jesus, who was destined to be King of kings, was courteously visited by lowly shepherds, as well as kings (noble wise men), who had come to worship the infant Lord – and to offer Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Third place went to Dwight Connor, a long-standing veteran of the competition, with his zouk tune, “The Season of God’s Love”, relating how man beholds the demonstration of God’s love, through Jesus Christ who was sent down from Heaven to save us.
The final and fourth prize was won by young and talented Mitcheline Hodge, a budding gospel star. Like Nadika, this was Mitcheline’s first entry. Her mild, but impacting song, “Sharing Love”, reflects on the truth that only an omnipotent God, the creator of man, could love mankind enough to send His son into the world to redeem us. The song invites Christians to share God’s love in order to glorify Him.
All four songs and tunes were composed by James Harrigan, and musical arrangements were done by Justin Richardson at Farm Recordings. Until December 31st, these songs will be played on New Beginning Radio, Grace fm at 99.3 fm. They may be requested by calling 772 6438 or 772 1581.
