André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Nolan Brown, one of the finalists in the 2007 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Gospel Song Competition. - Contributed

Some people just do not know when to quit, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. This is the fifth consecutive year Nolan Brown has entered the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Gospel Song Competition. The closest he came to winning was in 2005 when he made it to the top 10 as a member of the group Komplete. That is a true show of commitment and perseverance.

"Of course, I get tired of not winning, but if I stop I would feel like I gave up. I don't want to give up," Brown said.

Brown, who is from Manchester but now lives in St. James, and his brother first entered the competition in 2002. Brown made it out of the first round, but his brother did not. He said the 1998 winner, Glacia Robinson, had a tremendous effect on his decision to enter. Others around him encouraged him to re-enter as they thought he was a quality writer. Brown followed their advice and is hoping 2007 will be his year.

"I did a song one year called Perseverance. When I remember it, it just keeps me going," Brown said.

The right moment

He has been singing since he was a child and has pursued it professionally for the past seven years. Though he would like to be a full-time singer, the right moment has not come when he can give up his current job as a construction worker. Brown not only sings, but also writes and arranges music and has performed at concerts across the island, including Genesis, and is currently working on his debut album.

Brown thinks the gospel song competition is just what it will take to move his music career further.

"Sure, I would like to win, but it is my destiny to get the word out there. I feel I have a good chance and I am keeping my fingers crossed," he said. "I wouldn't say I have a better song than anybody else, but better than any other time."

Brown's song this year is Armoured.

"It is about a spiritual warfare and I am a soldier fighting for the Lord. I am inviting others to put on their armour and come fight," Brown said.

Brown is loving life, touring the nation with the JCDC. He recalled his stop in Clarendon as his best so far.

"Others say they don't want the money, but trust me, I am not going to lie, I want it. But I hope the song can touch the heart and bless somebody," Brown said.