Brisbane’s Jacob Vincent has been crowned the 2022 Toyota Best of the Buskers champion following tonight’s grand final at the 50th Toyota Country Music Festival in Tamworth.

The top ten buskers, as chosen by a panel of judges, performed in front of a crowd of thousands at Toyota Park on the final night of the 50th anniversary event, with Jacob’s impressive performance winning over the judges.

Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth Busking Coordinator, Kyle Kash said: “With over 200 buskers at this year’s Festival it was extremely hard for the judges to pick a winner!”

“It was a fantastic performance by Jacob tonight, congratulations on being crowned the 2022 Toyota Busking Champion!”

Jacob takes home a $2000 cash prize, as well as two paid gigs at the Courthouse Hotel at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Western Sydney’s Divinia Jean took out second place and Greenbank’s Jarrod Wrigley, featuring Tyla Rodrigues placed third, with both receiving cash prizes and gigs in 2023, while Tamworth’s Matt Barratt was crowned People’s Choice winner, taking home a brand-new Yamaha guitar.

The remaining top ten buskers walked away with $200 each.

This year’s judging panel included Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music Director, Nolene Bosworth, President of Tamworth Pride, Dianne Harris, artist, Jodie Herden, Drag Karaoke’s Freeda Tuck, and the Courthouse Hotel’s Keagan Cohen.

“A massive thank you to all of our judges, they’ve dedicated so much time and effort to this year’s busking championships,” said Mr Kash.

Presenting the awards, Tamworth Toyota Dealer Principal Tim Easey said it was fantastic to see such a talented lineup of buskers in Tamworth in this 50th anniversary year of the Toyota Country Music Festival.

“Ever since the first festival 50 years ago, buskers have played a central role in bringing country music alive in Tamworth and I’d like to congratulate Jacob on his win tonight against some seriously talented performers,” Mr Easey said.
 
“Of all the events in the festival program, the busking competition showcases the community heart of this festival and listening to the performers here tonight, there are more than a few country music stars in the making,” he said.

With some of Australia’s country music icons getting their start in busking, like Troy Cassar-Daley and Keith Urban, the Busking Championships are a great launch pad for aspiring musicians.

Tamworth Regional Council, Manager Country Music, Mr Barry Harley said: “Busking in Tamworth is a key part of the country music journey,” said Mr Harley.

“It is a perfect launch-pad for aspiring musicians as it helps them to get their music out there to a large audience.”