At simply 20 years previous, Abi-D (Abigail Dunstan) has taken residence the highest prize on the 2025 JCDC Pageant Music Competitors along with her entry “Candy JA”, a heat, feel-good tribute to Jamaica’s magnificence, spirit, and resilience.
Mixing reggae, pop, and touches of R&B, Abi-D brings a contemporary however grounded sound with a voice that cuts by with authenticity. A pupil of Ardenne Excessive’s music membership and the Edna Manley School of the Visible and Performing Arts, she’s greater than only a vocalist, she’s a full performer with a background in dance and performing as properly.
What warms our hearts much more is the truth that “Candy JA” is a correct reggae music, one which proudly represents Jamaica with roots, rhythm, and message, as an alternative of leaning into trendy dancehall tendencies. In a time the place pageant entries usually chase what’s present, this one goes straight to the core of what the music means, and the way Jamaica is seen from the outside-in, Sunny, joyful, and Reggae vibes!
“Candy JA” captures the essence of residence with out the clichés, providing each melody and that means. With this win, Abi-D steps confidently into the highlight as one of many new voices shaping Jamaica’s subsequent technology of music. We hope to see her quickly on phases worldwide!