dBurnz Triumphs in 2026 Jamaica Festival Song Contest

He earned the win after outperforming eight other finalists in a showcase judged by an official panel and crowd votes. Music teacher Ovando Levy grabbed second spot with Jamaica School (Bingi Ling), and Aba Jones landed third with Teet A Fi Me. Rounding out this year’s final line-up were acts like Elton Earlington, Trisstar, Brother C, Bovia, Lady Jazz, and Song Bird.

For anyone following the yard scene over the last decade, dBurnz isn’t a fresh face. He stepped up in the 2010s, building a solid name through sharp conscious lyrics and raw live vocals. His sound seamlessly blends foundation roots traditions with dancehall, soul, and fusion. Catalog cuts like Run Street, Ghetto Youth, and Nation Building show his focus on social commentary and community roots. Working closely with local producers, he keep his music grounded in cultural preservation, making him an enduring voice in modern reggae.

This competition carry immense weight in Jamaican music history. Organized by the JCDC under the Ministry of Culture, the Festival Song Competition was launched back in 1966 to celebrate independence and spark national pride. Since then, it has acted as a proven launchpad for anthems that live forever in the culture.

Looking back across six decades, the hall of fame is deep. Toots and The Maytals took the first crown in 1966 with Bam Bam, coming back in 1969 to win with Sweet and Dandy. Desmond Dekker & The Aces clinched 1967 with Music Like Dirt. Then Eric Donaldson entered the frame in 1971 with Cherry Oh Baby, starting a run that made him the most decorated contestant in festival history, winning a total of seven times. Big names still treat the competition with respect today, as seen when Buju Banton won 2020 with I Am A Jamaican and Stacious took top spot in 2021 with Jamaican Spirit.

[Photo Credit: Screenshot from official dBurnz music video]