Elton Earlington eyes Festival Song Competition glory with ‘Proud A Jamaica’

Jamaican singer Elton Earlington is set to compete in the prestigious Festival Song Competition, aiming for glory with his patriotic entry, 'Proud A Jamaica.' The competition, a significant event in Jamaica's cultural calendar, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Earlington, who won the Rising Star talent contest in 2016, draws inspiration from legendary artist Eric Donaldson, a seven-time winner of the Festival Song Competition. Earlington recalled witnessing Donaldson being celebrated by a euphoric crowd in Ghana in 2022, an experience that fueled his ambition. "My dream is to be another great like Eric Donaldson," Earlington stated.

“

My dream is to be another great like Eric Donaldson, whom I had the opportunity to share a stage with in Ghana back in 2022. I witnessed him being lifted off the ground and carried by the people of Ghana.

His song, 'Proud A Jamaica,' written by Delroy “Pele” Hamilton, bass player for the Raging Fyah band, was selected as one of the 10 finalists in June. Earlington expressed his deep connection to the song, which he believes allows him to deliver his best performance. "I love this song and that is one of the reasons why I perform it well," he said.

“

I love this song and that is one of the reasons why I perform it well. When performing, I can truly get into it and present the best possible rendition of myself.

Reflecting on the competition, Earlington described the experience as overwhelmingly positive. "Wonderful experience so far, I can’t complain. Good people, good vibes, high energy, strong competition and most importantly, everyone is good with each other regardless of it being a competition," he shared. "We’re like family among each other."

Earlington will be among 10 finalists vying for the top spot at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston. Other finalists include Aba Jones, Bovia, dBURNZ, Ovando Levy, Trisstar, Renegad, Brother C, Christina Evans, and Song Bird, each presenting their own tributes to Jamaica.

“

Wonderful experience so far, I can’t complain. Good people, good vibes, high energy, strong competition and most importantly, everyone is good with each other regardless of it being a competition. We’re like family among each other.