Ovando Levy: From classroom to festival stage

It is about becoming part of a musical tradition he has admired for years.

Levy, who is a dedicated music teacher at Old Harbour High School, entered this year's competition with ‘Jamaica School (Bingi Ling)’, a song inspired by his love for Jamaica, his experience as an educator and a desire to give  back to the country through music.

When his name was announced as the second-place finisher at the competition's grand finale on July 25, Levy said the moment was both humbling and fulfilling.

“It feels really good,” he said. “I've always wanted to be a part of history, being that the competition has produced legends over the years like the Roy Rayons, Eric Donaldsons and Roman Stewarts. My aim was to the patriotic side of me.”

For Levy, the opportunity to stand on the same stage where some of Jamaica's celebrated musical figures began their journeys was a dream fulfilled.

His pride is heightened by the fact that he entered the competition not only as an artiste, but as an educator who was taking his music beyond the classroom and onto a national platform.

“As a teacher, or music educator to be specific, doing this in front of my students and now taking it to a broader scale really feels good and honoured,” he said. “I'm now a part of history.”

A song born from gratitude

The inspiration for ‘Jamaica School (Bingi Ling)’ began taking shape long before Levy submitted his entry. Last year, he was recognised by the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation, in partnership with the JCDC, for his contribution to culture. That recognition prompted him to consider how he could give back to Jamaica through the gift he knows best — music.

“I got the inspiration from last year, being that I was awarded by my parish, St. Catherine, for my contribution towards culture over the years,” Levy explained. “That allowed me to feel good and say, ‘You know what, let me give back in such a way  — the best way I know how to — by singing something about my culture.’”

Although the competition's entry deadline was April 16 of this year, Levy said the idea had been developing since the previous year. He eventually shared the concept with his wife, Sonia Levy, and his siblings, who encouraged him to pursue it.

His brother and sister, Oneil and Oshin Levy, later became part of the creative process, along with his friend Ricardo Young. Levy wrote portions of the song, while his sister helped arrange the verses and Young contributed to the bridge.

Rather than simply delivering another patriotic anthem, Levy used the classroom as his creative canvas. The song combined education, Jamaican culture and a catchy musical style in an effort to introduce audiences to another side of Jamaica.

“It's a spin-off of what I do for a living… it's expanding my classroom. We wanted to bring a different approach, and it was well received,” Levy said.

Balancing the classroom and the stage

Behind the national spotlight was a demanding balancing act. Levy had to juggle the Festival Song competition with his responsibilities as a teacher, studio sessions and his personal life. But after nearly two decades in education, he said preparation has become second nature.

“I just added my thing to the list,” he said. “The process was initially challenging because of the demands of the competition, but I am really thankful for my principal, Mr. [Lynton] Weir, my colleagues, my family and friends for helping me to manage the competing responsibilities. The support was evident and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

His career in education began years ago as a pre-trained teacher, where he assisted with general studies at the primary-school level. His passion for music eventually led him to pursue studies at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts before moving into music education at the high-school level.

For Levy, teaching and music have never been separate worlds. “I eat, breathe and sleep music,” he said.

A musical journey that began at age three

Long before the Festival Song stage, Levy's relationship with music began in childhood. He was singing from as early as age three. His first public performance came almost by accident when a church member recognised his talent and put him on stage.

Growing up around his father, who played guitar and sang regularly, Levy was absorbing the rhymes, rhythm and notes without his family even realising how much he had learned. He recalled the surprise on his father's face when he heard his young son singing songs that he himself would normally perform.

From that point, his father began taking him to various performances, helping to nurture a musical journey that has continued for decades.

Today, Levy performs as part of the gospel recording group Levy's Heritage alongside his younger siblings, Oneil and Oshin Levy. The group has released albums and singles and is known for songs including ‘One Touch’ and ‘After a While’.

His work extends beyond performing. Levy is also a songwriter, producer and music critic, allowing him to approach music from several perspectives. That experience proved valuable during the Festival Song competition.

More than a competition

For Levy, one of the biggest rewards of entering the JCDC competition was the exposure and professional development that came with it. He said aspiring musicians should not be afraid to enter, even if they do not expect to win.

“You don't usually get this level of exposure anywhere for free,” he said.

According to Levy, contestants were exposed to industry professionals, media interviews, performances and opportunities to understand the business side of music, including writers' rights, producers' rights and performance rights.

For him, that exposure has already helped introduce his music to a wider audience.

“I've gained a lot of fans and met a lot of persons who have now shared their interest in my gift,” he said. “It feels so good to be loved by the country based on what you did in a short span of time.”

Looking beyond second place

While second place was a significant achievement, Levy is not treating it as the destination. He is looking ahead to the next chapter of his musical journey, with hopes of creating music that reaches different generations while continuing to use his experience to inspire others.

“In the next five to 10 years, expect more quality music impacting lives with the different age groups, sharing my wealth of knowledge to this generation and just spreading good quality and morals,” he said.

And with his second-place finish in the 60^th staging of the JCDC Festival Song Competition, Levy has added his name to a musical tradition that has helped shape Jamaica's Independence celebrations over the decades.