Anointed By Christ sing their winning song in the Children's Gospel Competition at the Ranny Williams Centre on Sunday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer

And Jesus said, a child shall lead them. The children indeed led on Sunday night at the fifth annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Children's Gospel Finals at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, with Olecia Wedderburn of Love FM doing duties as MC.

Performing against a simple background of red and white spandex, as the lights cast different shapes and colours playing on the fabric, thestage seemed as lively and playful as the children on it. But none of them had come to play, and they presented themselves like seasoned artistes, performing at just another show. With their parents, teachers and peers in the audience offering support, the miniature stars both ministered and entertained. All were winners.

The choirs and ensembles were the first section and they represented, with Lannaman's Preparatory School winning the choir section for their presentation of Order My Steps. "Sir, we did all this work for something," one of the members said as she shook her director's hand after collecting her gift basket. Anointed by Christ, after three years in the competition, walked away in their suits and church hats with first place in the ensemble section. They sung Just a Closer Walk.

Real excitement

But the real excitement began when the soloists came on. Eleven-year-old Brian Royes literally had the crowd from the first note. When he sang 'Lily of the valley' to introduce Brooklyn Tabernacle's Day Star, the crowd started cheering and continued until the last note. But while his victory was sure, there was a big disappointment when Desiree Gyles was announced as the third-place winner for the 15 and Under solo category. The 15-year-old, who has been singing since she was three, had the crowd smitten with her rendition of How Great Thou Art, a feat they realised was exceptional for her age. Their appreciation was shown with a standing ovation and shouts of "No", when Gyles' placement was announced.

But it was Nicoleen Brown that took home the first place trophy for Many Are Called, an upbeat song which included a deejay segment.

If the show was not entertaining enough, the guest artistes were just icing on the cake. Coming just after intermission, the RB Gospel Singers warmed the crowd for the second segment. They did Rock My Soul, Precious Lord Take My Hand but it was not until Come By Here and Hold Onto Your Victory that the crowd got hot.

Prodigal Son was met with many cheers and thunder sticks as he ran out on stage. The crowd then moved to the front and congregated at the stage as the minister declared I'm a World Changer, Real Life and Bun Dem. From there it was a dancing session with 'double the cross', 'baptise them' and 'salute the King'. Prodigal said since only the young people were dancing, he would remedy the situation. He began to sing, "nuh boda cut e", and that got the others moving.

After the announcements and the dancing stopped all the children were bundled up, many fast asleep, safe in the arms of Jesus.

WinnerS

Choirs

1st Lannaman's Preparatory School - Order My Steps (Kgn. & St. Andrew)

2nd Willowdene High School - It Was A Great Thing (St. Catherine)

3rd Willowdene Preparatory School - Joy

Ensembles

1st Anointed By Christ - Just A Closer Walk (Kgn. & St. Andrew)

2nd Sunshine Girls - Jesus Is Alive (St. Mary)

3rd Messengers - Coming Back Home (St. Catherine)

Soloists - 11 Years and Under

1st Brian Royes - Day Star (Kgn. & St. Andrew)

2nd Tabrika Francis - Silver and Gold (St. James)

3rd Malika James - It Wasn't Easy (Kgn. & St. Andrew)

Soloists - 15 Years and Under

1st Nicoleen Brown - Many Are Called (Westmoreland)

2nd Jevaughn Leon - Sacrifice (Kgn. & St. Andrew)

3rd Desiree Gyles - How Great Thou Art (St. Catherine)