Grub Cooper pleased with news that festival song competition will be held

The renowned musical director, songwriter and founding member of the iconic group Fab 5, Grub Copper, has welcomed the news that the festival song competition will go ahead this year.

In an interview with Radio Jamaica News, Cooper confirmed that his group Fab 5 will be releasing an independent single in celebration of Jamaica 60. 

Cooper added that he is open to assisting interested participants in developing their entries for this year.

He stated that the festival song competition is essentially focused on songwriting, and production issues could have been rectified before the initial announcement of a cancellation.

Cooper also noted the absence of a theme in recent years, which he said serves as a guide for participants. 

Following a public outcry about the cancellation, Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange held consultations with industry players, including Cooper, on the way forward.

Ms. Grange said new entries will be accepted over a one-week period.

She disclosed that work has started to ensure that the entries are of the highest quality.