Donald “Slashe” Anderson, is the 2023 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Festival Song Competition winner. The winning song, “Best In The World” produced by Donovan Germain of Penthouse Records, is his second attempt at the competition after making top 10 in 2004 when he went by the stage name ‘Iceman’. This year’s second and third prize winners, Esco Levi and Shuga both had songs produced by Germain.
Last year Minister of Culture Olivia Grange announced that there would be no Festival Song Competition, which sparked pubic outcry including sentiments from Prime Minister, Andrew Holness who said a way must be found to stage the event. Subsequently, Sacaj’s ‘Nuh Wey Nice Like Yard’ emerged the winner for 2022.
Slashe’s win ushers in an era of growth for the competition as well as national recognition for himself. He previously released independent singles in tribute to his island home, such as the 2016 Brazil Olympic themed track titled Reggae Rio, which was the first song under his new name “Slashe.” Slashe is an amalgamation of his many talents as a singer/comedian/songwriter.
As songwriter he has written songs for Gramps Morgan and Shaggy and the seasoned performer’s debut live album “Lion Reggae Playlist,” executive produced by JR Watkis was released on August 17, 2017, with 12 original tracks recorded at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studios.
In addition to several upcoming shows, this year’s winner of the JCDC Festival Song Competition walks away with the cash prize of three million dollars, which will be split with the producer.
As the Cornwall College Old Boy comes to terms with his latest musical achievement, he tells World Music Views in this exclusive interview that he plans to use the milestone to make Jamaica proud.
How does it feel to be the winner of the 2023 Jamaica Festival Song Competition and represent Jamaican culture through your music?
It has finally sunken in that I’m the winner of this year’s competition. I’m humbled, honoured, thankful. It’s been a journey of hardwork and commitment.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your winning song and what it means to you personally?
I wanted to focus on the ancestral history of Jamaica, the freedom fighters, the liberators that helped us to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy these days. Cudjoe, Tacky, Nanny, Paul Bogle etc. Once I had the concept, the lyrical construct just took over.
The Festival Song Competition has a long history of celebrating Jamaican identity. How did you approach crafting a song that resonates with both traditional and contemporary audiences?
The blend is in the lyrics, the instrumentation and the vocal delivery. I found that sound that captures both demographics; the blend of historical facts with lyrical/vocal clarity and the instrumentation that ties yesteryear to today with a modernized sound.
What was your creative process like in developing the song that eventually won the competition?
I wrote two demos and gave them to Donovan Germain. He listened and chose ‘BEST IN THE WORLD,’ the musicians came in and built the riddim, I recorded same day and the song was mixed same day.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during this process?
It happened so seamlessly. I was ready to record it . Had the knowledge of how I would voice it and it turned out magical.
The Festival Song Competition is known for promoting unity and pride among Jamaicans. How do you believe your winning song achieves this goal?
We are a patriotic nation of people. We fly the flag of Jamaica high in so many areas of society, locally and abroad. I see what this song does to people. They sing it with hands in the air, joyfully, affirming their patriotism.
As the winner, you’ll have the opportunity to perform at various events. How do you plan to use your platform to further promote Jamaican music and culture?
More new songs, more shows, keep on putting out quality works musically.
Reggae Music is the heart of the people and I’m a reggae singer. In my songs there are already so many examples of our culture. All I can do is continue to highlight Jamaica as I continue making music for both here and the wider world.
What’s next for Slashe after winning the Jamaica Festival Song Competition?
There are some songs in the pipeline slated for release soon enough. Time will tell as to when.
