JayLynn Hines is the winner of this year’s Quest for the Best soca song competition.

The singer/songwriter, also known as Jay III, claimed success with her song Feeling For Ya.

The contest, produced by Intense Mas and sponsored by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, received 37 entries over the past two years.

According to a press release from the Bermuda Government, notable submissions came from Ponaflex with Love On the Road, 1443 with Nobody Knows, Ju with Soca is Life and Drummaboy with Carnival Vybez.

The competition was judged by a panel of 17 local judges and 13 international judges, all considered top professionals in the Soca music industry.

Jay III won the grand prize promotional package worth more than $5,000, including worldwide radio airplay, social media promotion, professional photo shoots, music video production and international e-blasts.

Intense Mas band leader Russell Griffith, also known as DJ Rusty G, said: “It is apparent that our talented Bermudian musicians are continuing to develop a Bermudian sound in the global soca landscape, impressing even our international judges.

“I would like to give special mention to Dem Biez who have been the masterminds behind the scenes for last year’s Run Road and this year’s Feeling for Ya. Music creation is a process and having a great support team is really important.”

Social development minister Michael Weeks said: “I’d like to congratulate Jay III on winning this year’s Quest for the Best soca song competition.

“The competition certainly helped foster increased creativity from Bermudian artists and an appreciation for local talent. We look forward to seeing how these very talented Bermudian musicians continue in years to come.”