Entertainment

Gospel reggae on the move

Stitchie and Goddy Goddy - File photos

I WENT TO my first full reggae gospel event, stage show style, on Sunday at Hope Gardens and was duly impressed.

It was the 'Fun In The Son' grand concert, and while it was not billed as a reggae gospel show, for all intents and purposes that was what it was.

With the Young Revolutionaries of Jason Mighty, Mr. Gallimore, DJ Nicholas and Prodigy in the early afternoon, it was straight praises on roots reggae and dancehall rhythms until the end at about 7:00 p.m. with Stitchie doing Fast and Pray.

I am not a Christian, very far from it actually, as I consider Christianity an oppressive and sometimes nonsensical religion. However, quality is quality and I have been an admirer of Papa San and Stitchie from their secular days, their level of lyricism getting more intense, if anything, when they accepted Christ. When Stitchie stamped his class on Sumfest's dancehall night about two years ago, I saw the hardcore fans look, listen and praise the Lord.

Quite impressed

I had seen Bless (when he was Prodigal Son) about two years ago in Montego Bay in a rather small setting and was quite impressed, as I was with the album with Woe on it (which I have). And I had occasion to see the Katalys Krew perform, Open Up Your Eyes and Pray Fi Dem, being among their standouts on roots reggae rhythms. In addition, I have listened to their music on CDs.

I saw Goddy Goddy twice before, once at the National Arena, and the blend of humour, drama and lyricism was good.

However, the Young Revolutionaries, Carlene Davis, Paul Blake, Katalys Krew, Goddy Goddy, Bless and Stitchie back to back in the heat of the afternoon, then the cool of the evening and ultimately dark, from a big stage with a large enough crown in attendance was another matter entirely. It was never boring, and especially considering that the intention of all the performers was to glorify Christ, it was not monotonous.

There is serious talent in reggae gospel and what also struck me was that although there were 'forwards', there were no attempts to hype the audience through costuming and stage antics. The lyrics were properly spoken (or sung, as the case may be) and delivered clearly.

However, there were points, when the dances were being displayed, that I wondered just how far apart Christian deejays and their more secular counterparts are. And Goddy Goddy had the rags waving, soca style.

Gospel reggae is at the point where it can ­ and should ­ command a segment all of its own on an event like Sumfest. Truth be told, there are many 'worldian' deejays whose gimmicks would be shown up for just what they are if they were to be on the same stage on the same night with the gospel deejays.

Dem bad (as in good bad)!