JCDC Music National Finals - 8-year-old beats nerves to win top awards  

At just eight years old, Na’Quan Brown stood on the national stage and did something many twice his age still struggle to do, he believed in himself. The young singer from Montego Bay, representing Greater Destiny Prep, delivered an emotive rendition of Rebel in Me by reggae legend Jimmy Cliff at the Music National Finals of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts.

Competing in Category 15: Vocal Jamaican Popular Class 2A Solo, Na’Quan secured first place and was also awarded Best Overall Vocal Jamaican Popular Performance, marking a major milestone for both himself and his school. His win comes as the National Finals continue at the Little Theatre in Kingston, where emerging talent from across the island is being showcased through one of the country’s premier cultural development programmes.

Behind the applause, however, was a child navigating very real emotions. Reflecting on the moment he stepped into the spotlight, Na’Quan admitted that the experience began with nerves. “I felt pretty good … in the beginning, my heart raced a lot,” he shared. Yet, as the performance unfolded, something shifted. During what he described as the “my love part of the song”, his nerves eased, giving way to a growing confidence as he settled into the moment. 

That confidence was not accidental, but the result of discipline and persistence. Na’Quan explained that his preparation involved consistent practice and a determination to keep going even when mistakes happened. “Each time I got something wrong, I just continued the entire performance … I drilled myself,” he said, reflecting a level of focus well beyond his years.

Standing proudly in support was his father, Shayne Brown, who has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his journey. He described the moment as a reflection of belief, discipline and steady support. “It took a lot of hard work and trial and error until we found what worked, and we just kept building from there,” he shared. “Even with challenges at home, we stayed focused. From the time he was a baby, he always loved to sing. I saw it as a gift from God and wanted to nurture it. I am honestly so proud of him … I am almost lost for words.”

Na’Quan’s latest achievement builds on an already promising record, following his 2025 win for Best Class 2 Vocal Gospel Solo. 

As Jamaica observes Child Month in May, Na’Quan’s journey offers a glimpse into how cultural programmes help young people build confidence, discipline, and express themselves creatively.