Adrian Frater, News Editor

Nigel Banton (back right) and his wife Tanesha and children, from left Miguel and Mikal are hoping to create a musical dynasty. - Adrian Frater

Western Bureau

With two successful albums and the enviable distinction of being double Gem Award nominees, Nigel Banton and his wife Tanesha Banton are now eying a major assault on the international gospel circuit with the release of their third album, The Best Thing.

The couple, originally from Vineyard district, in St Elizabeth, recently returned home from England, where they spent several years pursuing their musical dream. Riding on the impact of their 2005 double Gem nomi-nations for their hit single, God is Good, they are now aiming to make their mark here in Jamaica.

"We did extremely well in England," said Mrs Banton, the duo's lead singer and main songwriter. "We did concerts all over England and our more popular songs got extensive airplay on radio - we were quite popular over there."

In addition to criss-crossing England on the gospel concert circuit, the Bantons also found time for charitable work and also made their mark in that area through their contribution to churches, schools and other charities.

"We always take time out to do charitable work because we see ourselves as evangelists" Mr Banton said. "In fact, since we returned to Jamaica four months ago, we have been working quite closely with a local health centre back home in St Elizabeth."

The Bantons, whose subjoin into singing started early in their lives, initially crossed paths when they both sang on the same church choir - Mrs Banton as the choir's lead singer and Mr Banton as an ordinary member. Since they became one through marriage, music has been an integral part of their union.

"Our love for singing and gospel music has kept us very close," Mrs Banton said. "We are always singing together, writing songs together and performing together."

With their two children showing an interest in singing as well, a family musical dynasty could be in the making as their five-year-old daughter Mikala, who is quite a promising singer, is featured on the, The Best Thing album, which will be officially launched on Friday, July 18, at the Vineyard Community Centre.

Seeking to penetrate the Jamaica gospel market is nothing new to the Bantons, especially Mrs Banton. Back in 1997, she emerged first runner-up in the St Elizabeth gospel contest and subsequently went on reach the semi-finals of the All-Island Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Festival Competition.

"The JCDC experience was great experience for me," said Mrs Banton, reminiscing on her 1997 experience. "I always knew I could sing so it was good that other people were able to hear and appreciate my singing."

Since returning from England four months ago, Mrs Banton took a bold step to reintroduce herself to the Jamaican audience when she entered the Digicel Rising Star Contest. While she decided not to go on because of our decision not to do secular songs, she said it was a most revealing experience.

"I think I did well in the Digicel Rising Star Elimination as the judges actually praised my effort," Mrs Banton said. "However, it was mutually decided that I would not continue because I was not prepared to do any secular type songs."

With their latest album, The Best Thing, which was recorded in England now completed and ready for the market, the Bantons are now eyeing the future with much optimism as they seek to establish themselves as bonafide international gospel stars.

The 12-track album, which is on the Christ Anointed Production label, features songs such as, He is Real, You can make it, Pause and the title track, The Best Thing.