The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: Maintaining that 'Gospel Image'

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

( L - R ) DJ Nicholas, Upcoming gospel artiste Teena Tamara - Colin Hamilton

With any commodity, good packaging encourages the consumer to buy. Likewise, gospel artistes believe their image is also important when they are spreading the word of God.

Though image is not the main focus of their music careers, these artistes believe their appearance should encourage the society to want to hear their message.

Gospel artiste Omari, whose real name is Andrew Edwards, says the message he is sending is most important but he also places some emphasis on looking good for the public. He also said that when he ministers to people they should also see that he is being blessed by the Lord.

"Image plays a very important role. It's packaging cause nobody desires to buy something that is untidy. It's a key when presenting yourself to the wider society. You don't need to go over the top but just dress properly," the Help singer told THE STAR.

Strike a balance

He added, "People are moved by seeing, smelling, touching and hearing. If it is the first they are hearing us (gospel artistes) and they never see me before, how we present ourselves may make them want to take an interest."

Omari also said people will not see him wearing a 'big don gorgon chain, but thinks he must be able to strike a balance between being modest and having an image.

Fellow gospel artiste DJ Nicholas is usually decked out in some of the trendiest men's clothing. He says his image is important but he does not put too much emphasis on his outward appearance.

"We have to look presentable cause we are ambassadors for Christ. If we are introducing you to God or his kingdom, and when you look at us we look as if we can't even buy clothes, that would not be very encouraging," said DJ Nicholas, who recently finished a mini United Kingdom tour.

Edgy and funky clothes

Women are not outside the loop and Omari noted upcoming gospel artiste Teena Tamara as one of the women in gospel music who has a radical style as she wears usually wears edgy and funky clothes.

Teena Tamara, whose real name is Tamara James, says she wants to look good when she performs for people. She says people oftentimes put Christians in a box and expect them to wear extremely long skirts and blouses.

"Young people out there would love to know the Lord but they think Christianity is drag and boring. I am fashionable and I want young people to know that you can be a Christian and still look good," she said.

While image is important, Teena Tamara says the ultimate thing is selling Christ and showing people that they need to accept Him as their Lord and Saviour.