Members of the gospel group Sonz of the Shepherd. From left: Supaz, Prince and Tony. - CONTRIBUTED

There has been an influx of gospel artistes in the music industry since the late '90s and recently Sonz of the Shepherd (SOS) has joined that group. The difference with this group is that they do not want to be labelled as 'gospel artistes'.

Dwayne 'Supaz' Davis, a member of the group, told The STAR, "We do not consider ourselves as gospel artistes, we are ministers of the gospel. God is love and we are agents of love."

The trio also includes Prince Edwards, and Garen 'Tony' Anthony Clarke All hail from Kingston and say they have been ministering together as a group for four years. In their interview, Davis said they believe in preaching the gospel.

"We want to reach everyone. We want to change the perception of the people. I must tell you that we get most of the fight from our own Christian brethren and I would just advise them to pray for us and stop tearing us down," Davis said.

He further explained that Christianity is a lifestyle and that the lifestyle must depict what those who live it are saying. "People can say anything but it's their actions that matter. We are a ministering group and ministering is also lifestyle. You have to be living to profess it."

With a motto of persistence and the ability to please, this trio has been thrilling audiences with their creativity, which includes new dance moves, fresh lyrical content and a 'winning souls' inspired drive.

Addeah McDove, public relations manager for the group, told the STAR that "SOS started in September 2005 as a duo. The group later extended to four and now consists of three members, Tony, Prince and Supaz, though all four continue to be friends."

The group first went with the name Spiritual Soldiers but were later inspired by their youth department at the Boulevard Open Bible Church to take on the name Sonz of the Shepherd.

The first songs recorded by the group were Suzie and Gimmi Back Mi Bible. This was part of a compilation titled March Out and became the forerunner for that album. The single was played in many small islands including Barbados and as a result SOS became a household name there.

SOS is currently in the studios at McDove Music Production, where they are working with producers Jay Crazie and McDove. Their singles, Get Inna Di Groove and I Pray are currently being rotated on radio stations.