What’s your story, Jamaica?

Storytellers are anticipating taking to the stage on February 8 to vie for one million dollars in cumulative prize money in the fourth annual storytelling competition, ‘What’s Your Story, Jamaica?’ at Half Moon Conference Centre in Montego Bay.

For the past three years, What’s Your Story, Jamaica?, organised by Debra Ehrhardt, along with Half Moon, has been a celebration of real stories, authentic voices, and the magic that happens when persons share their truths.

“Storytelling transcends borders, connects hearts, and brings communities together. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that every voice is heard,” the organisers said in a press release.

Renowned for her one-woman plays, Mango Mango, Invisible Chairs, Jamaica Farewell, Cock Tales and Look What Fell Out De Mango Tree, Ehrhardt is excited to get back to the stage. More accurately, the playwright is eager to facilitate a production that will put money in Jamaican storytellers’ pockets.

“What makes a story great is that people want to know what happens next. My main goal when I tell a story is not to bore people,” said Ehrhardt.

She continued, “A story’s most important function is to remind us that we are not alone in the world.”

Ehrhardt, who graduated from drama school in New York, was advised to lose her strong Jamaican accent, as that would limit work for her. Instead, she decided to write and perform her own stories based on her colourful life in Jamaica and has performed all over the world. In 2007, she received a proclamation from the City of New York for Jamaica Farewell, and was named one of Jamaica’s top 10 newsmakers for 2010.

JUDGES

There will be a panel of five official local judges.

Diana Thorburn, an avid reader and writer, has published a non-fiction book – a business biography of a prominent Jamaican – and is currently working on a book exploring Spanish Town’s rise as Jamaica’s murder capital. In her day job, she is the director of research at the Caribbean Policy Research Institute, an independent public policy think tank at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Rachael McDonald is a Jamaican educator and fellow of The Royal Society of Arts with 27 years of experience. She founded Fundaciones, a bilingual early childhood programme, and leads literacy and sustainability projects like Di Cawna Library. McDonald is an Impact Partner for Take Action Global and the Global Social Leaders Ambassador for Jamaica.

Bridgette Lecky is a language and communication specialist with more than 20 years of experience. She has fostered students’ involvement in the performing arts and literature, with a focus on linguistics and cultural fluency.

Deanne Logan-Johnson, a passionate woman of faith, is a devoted mother, a worshipper, and a financial advisor committed to helping others achieve financial success. With a deep love for the arts, she was proud to be a 2024 finalist in the What’s Your Story, Jamaica? competition.

Wayne Jobson, a Jamaica-born entertainment law graduate from King’s College London, has had a distinguished career in music, film, and radio. He co-wrote and produced the Peter Tosh film RED X and VH1’s Behind the Music, and also produced Gwen Stefani and No Doubt’s Rock Steady, which earned two Grammys. He has worked with Keith Richards, Jimmy Cliff, and Ziggy Marley, and produced Toots and the Maytals’ Got to Be Tough, which won the 2021 Reggae Grammy.

Each judge will have a maximum of 25 points to offer the storyteller. The audience will also have a say, with their own points up for grabs.