Norda McKenzie-Creary sang her way to a performance on Recharge and a gift from Cable and Wireless at the competition.

by Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer

Norda McKenzie-Creary received a birthday present most Christian entertainers are still fasting and praying for. She got the opportunity to perform on Recharge last Saturday, one of the biggest annual gospel shows of the year, promoted by the STAR's artiste of the month and reggae gospel minister Prodigal Son.

Creary, who turned 19 on Saturday, won the opportunity after she won the STAR's artiste of the month singing competition at The Gleaner's Sports Club, 7 North Street, Kingston, on Friday.

"After I saw it [the promotion] I asked God, 'it's on my birthday', and I said 'God, I want to sing at Recharge for my birthday and when I sing I want souls to be saved. So far he has answered the first part and I believe he will answer the other part," Creary said after she won on Friday.

Gospel Artiste of the Month Prodigal, (left) turned out to guest judge the competition, despite a busy day, before the annual gospel show Recharge. Other judges are from left, Andre Jebbinson, representative from The STAR, Altano Morgan and Craig Chambers, both of Radikal Communications.

The teenager who says she has a plan to sing professionally stood out from the beginning, but only started wowing the audience in the second round as she got more comfortable in her performance. The competition featured three rounds, the first a prepared piece done to soundtrack, the second accapella and the third a rendition of a song by Prodigal Son.

With music thumped by DJ Xlnc on Joy-Hipower, and performances overseen by judges Prodigal Son, Craig Chambers and Altano Morgan from Radikal Communications and Andre Jebbinson from the STAR, the contestants brought different genres of gospel tweaked with their styles as each sought the coveted spot on stage at Recharge. There was rap, hip-hop, reggae, worship and dub poetry with some very creative lyrics praising God and commenting on social evils.

As the rounds progressed, the contestants grew deeper and the performances moved to another level becoming more lively and entertaining. Verity, G Tuff and Maxwell Blair and Company were all good performers though the latter started out shaky with some of the notes. Their Accapella rendition was, however, almost as smooth as the popular group, but lacked the energy and vibe. G Tuff and Verity (which comprised a singer and DJ Nicholas sound alike) had them among the favourites for the evening. Also in this group was songstress Geneva Williams whose powerful vocals grabbed the attention of the spectators. But by the last round when Creary did I've Got Jesus, the winner had already been decided.

Song Competition at the Gleaner Sports Club Friday July 13, 2007.