André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Left: Papa San performs scores of patrons.   Right: Judith Gayle thrills crowd.

Explosive performances heralded 2007 at Genesis Triple Fest at National Stadium in Kingston, on Monday, New Year’s Day.

most riveting set came from Prodigal Son, Papa San, DJ Nicholas and Moses, which started from as early as 3:30 p.m. and ended just before midnight.

year’s show was held under theme, ‘Tek Back Jamrock’.

Of course, with such great line-up, attempt take back Jamrock was forceful, with scores of patrons indicating they have repented and were ready follow .

Moses’s testimony

Moses had officially kicked off night session with bang. Many have heard his testimony before, but it always seems have same captivating effect.

He is one of those artistes audiences listen and can identify with. For reason, he spends little time convincing his fans get into praise mode. It is almost automatic whenever he takes stage.

little more subdued, but very effective was Perpetual Praise. They carried more serene atmosphere.

Patrons were also treated some good ‘ole time’ gospel music. This segment included Judith Gayle and Dawn McDowell ministered with conviction.

Few new groups

There were also few break-out groups showed promise in business, such as Perfect Love, RB Singer and Chosen Vessel.

Prodigal Son was penultimate act on show, but still, old and young alike had enough vigour jump and prance in response his thrilling set.

Prodigal dropped hits such as Tell , Ketch Fire and Journey. What made his act very solemn was his less entertaining and more ministering approach. This left many patrons saying Prodigal should have closed show.

As excitement peaked, rags were waved and cell phones hoisted welcome Papa San.

His over top performance had crowd in frenzy.

Genesis was also streamed live on Internet. Another special feature at show was exciting fireworks display disrupted stage activities for close 10 minutes.

There were criticisms there was too much hype and less spiritual food for those were seeking nourishment for soul, but overall, most seemed pleased with package.

Left: Patrons wave rags as they enjoy Genesis 2007 at National Stadium Car Park on Monday.   Right: Prodigal was crowd stealer. – Photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Stitchie during his performance at ‘Christ In Action’ gospel concert, held at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road, on Sunday, July 2, 2006. – Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Stitchie’s outburst at Montego Bay-leg of Genesis 2007 on Monday has earned wrath of local organisers, have vowed not work with him unless there is some meeting of reconciliation.

Stichie, came prominence in 1980s as secular deejay, was in no-nonsense mood when he was called on stage as closing act at approximately 8:15 .m. at Montego Bay Community College.

Greeted by deafening applause and screams, he immediately instructed large gathering be silent, ordered cameramen from local gospel cable network "stop taping his performance or talk his lawyers" as he had not signed in his contract.

"While our head office is responsible for organising event, we will be reluctant have any arrangement with artiste without some reconciliatory meeting," said Barrington Sergeant, regional director of Youth for Christ, organisers of Genesis.

Unchristian-like behaviour

"Despite his concerns being legitimate, it is not what he did, it is how he did it. Many Genesis supporters, both Christians and non-Christians, have since spoken me saying his behaviour was unchristian-like and have sworn not support any more events in Montego Bay, which involve him."

Stitchie openly compared his working relationship with secular promoters, namely of Sting, where he recently performed, as being better than of his Christian family.

"Learn from this. saves from sin, but him nuh save me as no fool," he advised his younger colleagues. year 2007 is going be different year for gospel music in Jamaica. Gospel artistes not getting respect they deserve."

He also used medium accuse fellow gospel artistes of trying outperform each other instead of ministering people. However, responses of gathering earlier performances disagreed with ‘Governor’.

Opening acts for event included Faulkner Family, Sting of Faith, Mt. Salem Open Bible Dancers, saxophonist Garfield Lawrence, energetic Norris Gayle and junior queen of Genesis, Talia Prout.

Master of Ceremony, Steven Allen of Mello FM, and Albert Ferguson, had their hands full keeping audience entertained through 11 band changes.

Stellar performance

Joan Flemmings did not disappoint. She had audience eating out of her hands as she sang old favourites flavoured with country and mento-style hits. Such stellar performance was hard act follow, as once revered Love Singers found out. group failed impress.

Jamaica Cultural Development Commission 2003 Gospel Festival winner, Kevin Downswell, gave very soul-stirring performance, while his 2006 counterpart, Montego Bay’s Clive Warren, was not in his usual impressive form.

Local group, New Generation, gave an energy-filled performance which was well received, while Manchester’s Young Battalion encouraged gathering ‘keep on fiery line’.

DJ Moses belted out number of hits, including Salvation Is Real ( version of Baby Cham’s Ghetto Story). Prodigy showed why he is one of top gospel deejays, and had audience singing along He then combined with his bride--be Krissy D sing I Love , .

Jai followed and demonstrated why he is one of Jamaica’s most sought after gospel artiste. show ended at 8:35 .m.

Kevin O’Brien Chang

From coldly rational point of view Christmas is as ridiculous notion as mankind has ever deluded itself with. man marries supposed virgin, discovers she’s with child, learns from an angel in dream she has conceived by Holy Spirit, and they travel his hometown where there’s no room at inn so our Saviour is born in manger?

Why, ‘s about as believable as idea point of singularity spontaneously came into being, then spontaneously exploded create universe of inanimate matter, which spontaneously combined create self-perpetuating life, which spontaneously evolved create conscious minds.

Even Bible is shaky about Christmas. Gospels of Mark and John are silent about Christ’s birth, while Matthew and Luke tell different stories. Matthew says nothing about census, manger, inn or shepherds. Luke does not mention Magi from East following star, Herod’s massacre of young babies, or flight Egypt.

Gospel Nativity stories were, of course, just starting points. It wasn’t until 350 AD decreed December 25 as birthday of Christ, sealing Christian appropriation of Roman winter solstice feast of Saturnalia.

Medieval artists added oxen and donkeys manger scenes and extrapolated Matthew’s ‘magi from east’ bearing ‘gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh’ into three wise Kings of Orient named Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar.

Pagan paraphernalia

Then came pagan paraphernalia of yule logs, holly, mistletoe and decorated fir trees. And finally, capitalist touches like greeting cards and gift-carrying Santa Claus.

Shopkeepers should be more cynical than most about whole thing. be sure, extra festive spending is essential for decent annual profit. But I continually marvel at sheer junk people choose waste their money on. Take new trend of Bratz and such branded colognes and perfumes for children. It’s bad enough cartoons are rotting children’s brains, but they’re now cleaning out parents’ pockets. mere sight of Sponge Bob or Dora pictures is often enough set off wails of ‘Mommy, I want !"

it was up my inner Ebenezer, such rubbish would be banned, starting with insufferable symbol of juvenile manipulation named Barbie.

They merely stamp name on any pepto-bismol pink item and price not only doubles but little girls start bawling for it. ‘Bah humbug, make Barbie illegal!’ is my instinctive reaction this blatant brainwashing. But when I express dismay at latest nonsense, my managers laugh at my weak-hearted capitalist ethic. "Mr. Chang, we are here sell and we don’t carry what people want they will simply go buy it elsewhere."

Barbie perfume

Anyway, am I try force my tastes on others and tell them how spend their own money? It may seem insanely stupid me, but Barbie perfume clearly makes lots of little girls and their parents quite happy.

At any rate, it’s completely counterproductive for someone in my situation waste time pondering such . bottom line is simple really. Just as politicians don’t tell voters what they want hear lose elections, merchants don’t give customers what they ask for go bankrupt.

It’s all enough make sceptical stooges sneer with derisive laughter at stupidity of human race – until see look of wonder on child’s face as she listens story of baby , or sings along Christmas carols, or waits eagerly on Christmas morning open her presents. And let’s face it. Despite all tawdry tinsel and grumbling and money complaints, is there any other time of year when so many people are so happy? It really is most wonderful time of year.

Carols

What really captures magic is music. After all, Christmas carols are perhaps most univer-sally popular songs known western man. Classical music appeals only minority elite and pop tunes come and go and vanish. But Christmas carols are timeless and loved by nearly all.

I used rail against schlock like Rudolph Red Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells and Christmas Song. But getting older doesn’t necessarily bring wisdom, it at least teaches not waste time and energy fighting unwinnable battles. So now I merrily hum along even totally inappropriate stuff.

Yes, ‘I’m dreaming of white Christmas just like one I used know’ is sheer nonsense us Jamaicans raised in perpetual greenery. But, what heck! It’s pretty little tune with pretty sentimental words. So why shouldn’t I enjoy ‘treetops glisten, and children listen’?

Sacred songs

true heart of matter is found in sacred songs. Works like Silent Night and Joy World not only contain some of most beautiful words and music ever written, they are among most evocative expressions of man’s hope for better world. Many would scoff at idea of Christ and yet embrace concept of ‘Peace and goodwill all men’. But reject any belief in higher power is repudiate very foundation of charity. For there is no , is love, too, not just delusion?

Still, I can never agree with those proclaim all beliefs, but theirs are wrong. ‘In My Father’s house are many mansions’, says John 14:2. But Christmas star is not only light for man follow, it’s one of brightest he has known.

No carol so unforgettably expresses essence of Christmas as lovely O Holy Night. me it’s one of great songs, ranking with Amazing in its ability imprint on emotions what mind alone is incapable of grasping. " heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing," wrote great Blaise Pascal. When hear words and music like this, know he is right.

"Long lay world in sin and error pining,

Till He appeared and soul felt its worth.

thrill of hope, weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks new and glorious mornÉ

Truly He taught us love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease"

Yet, knows. It all might be just comforting illusion. Maybe Bertrand Russell was right "Man is product of causes which had no prevision of end they were achieving; É his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but outcome of accidental collocations of atoms."

But longer I live less I trust cold logic in isolation. For one thing it’s ‘unreasoning’ believers in hereafter most actively care for their fellow men in here and now. As historian Michael Burleigh asked, ‘When have committed rationalists ever operated soup – kitchens, hotlines for suicidal or hostels for crack addicts?’ All atheists like Russell can offer is ‘firm foundation of unyielding despair’, whatever is. Even empty ‘Sex and drugs and rock and roll is all my brain and body need’ boasting of high school hedonists sounds more meaningful.

Pure reason is even more useless on personal level. It’s not often hear anything profound from Hollywood. But I have agree with actor Charlie Sheen. Anybody doesn’t believe in hasn’t looked into eyes of their child.

changkob@hotmail.com

Ian Allen Staff/Photographer
LEFT: Sasha performs with Turbulence at Macka Diamond birthday bash, held at Mas Camp, Oxford Road, New Kingston, in April. RIGHT: DJ Nicholas and Kerron Ennis perform at Jamaica Youth for Christ Genesis Festival at National Stadium, on New Year’s Day.

Donald K. Stewart, Contributor

As Christian leader, I have tremendous respect and appreciation for our local gospel artistes.

Over years I have been passionate supporter of such musical events as Youth For Christ’s ‘Genesis’, on Rock’s ‘Alleluia’, Glory Music’s ‘Fun in Son’, Prodigal’s ‘Recharge’, Anointed Praise Station’s ‘Good Fridays’, as well as frequent ‘ Parties’ at Swallowfield Chapel and elsewhere.

There is no doubt in my mind contemporary gospel music has power break demonic strongholds, effectively proclaim Gospel of Christ and totally transform previously messed-up lives, for Kingdom of .

What we are witnessing at present, however, appears be process of systematic syncretism, where holy and profane are cunningly being merged and where truth is being embraced by deception, and evangelism replaced by ecumenism, all in name of national and spiritual unity.

Dangerous directions

Some of our more prominent gospel artistes are being lured in these dangerous directions and then subsequently used as "precedent" justify defilement of local gospel music industry as they parade onstage with "strange bed-partners," unequally yoked, yet still trying walk together (Amos 3:3, 2 Cor. 6:14-17).

When, for example, we have an individual of Rising Stars fame performs at Genesis Gospel Festival and yet seems equally comfortable revelling on carnival stage, giving praise and glory Bacchus, of Bacchanal – then don’t think something strange is happening here?

Is it not true at recent Recharge gospel concert, popular secular artistes Red Rat and Wayne Marshall were onstage performing alongside their Christian , with tremendous applause from high-spirited audience? Could it be these are some telling signs, indicating ( discerning) gospel music is in crisis?

Gleaner,of Monday, October 23, gave us an interesting report of recent CD launch of gospel artiste at Altamont Court Hotel in St. Andrew. Angel G. Kelly presented her What Wants Know, album backed by her Rastafarian band and with M.C. Winston ‘Bello’ Bell in full lyrical colours.

Mr. Bell ( Christian minister) was not only wearing Rasta arm band, but he made some strange, emotionally charged comments worthy of note. According Gleaner report, he declared venture was an ‘act of ecumenism’ and "any pastor, any clergyman, any man of cloth fight against is not someone is moving kingdom forward."

I’m not sure whether Mr. Bell was correctly quoted, or whether he really understood what he was saying, or of which kingdom he was speaking. entire episode, however, indicates dangerous trend, especially when contrasted against clear biblical teachings regarding holiness and purity expected of people of .

Jesting

Do think was merely jesting in Ezekiel 22:26, when he declared, "They have put no difference between holy and profane, neither have they shown difference between unclean and clean?"

Anyone holds increasingly popular ecumenical theory in which any and every thing "harmoniously" comes together in name of peace and unity, will need explain 1 Corinthians 10 21-22, where Paul writes; "Ye cannot drink cup of , and cup of devils: Ye cannot be partakers of ‘s table, and of table of devils. Do not provoke jealousy? Are we stronger than he?"

Let’s not fool ourselves. Just as iron and clay can’t hold together, holy and profane will never truly unite, irrespective of name is given concoction, and those "enlightened ones" so articulately preach oneness of secular and spiritual, be careful how mislead trusting, vulnerable ones in your care.

Transformation Jamaica, brain-child of Overcomers World Ministries was held at National Stadium, October 25-27. But, what really was this massive concert was endorsed by numerous large Jamaican companies and which boasted an impressive galaxy of famous (and infamous) local artistes?

Best gospel artistes

This event, dubbed as ‘ Music Festival Against Crime And Violence’, featured some of Jamaica’s best gospel artistes including Katalyst Crew, Ryan Mark, Kerron Ennis, D.A. Jay, Positive, St. Matthew, Zeela Mac, Omari, Levy’s Heritage, on- stage in "unity" with likes of Turbulence, Sasha, Fantan Mojah, Red Rat, Tia, High Quality, Heather Cummings, Sherene Anderson and Noddy Virtue

What on earth is happening here? Is there no one involved in planning of this spectacle has spiritual eyesight? Can’t Christian artistes recognize they are being led compromise their moral and spiritual mandates for proverbial cup of soup, no different from Esau in Gen. 25: 27-34?

I wonder whether any of organizers even bothered consider fact true and lasting transformation can only come through undiluted Gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16-17, 1 Tim. 1: 12-16, Psalm 127:1). Why then, have they sought establish an event built on futility and destined for disillusionment? Jamaica needs genuine peace (which comes through prayer and consistent, holy living), emotional, high-spirited events leave many are presently in valley of decision – even more confused and disoriented, in same valley.

It is full time Christian leaders took clear position on what they truly believe and stop playing "convenience game." We can’t (with clear conscience) be preaching our congregations " Christ is only way", then go outside and conveniently embrace everything else, hoping bring national transformation, through developing of unholy, ungodly alliances with same people whose own lives need radical adjustment.

I call on my fellow Christian brothers and sisters demand personal, moral and spiritual integrity of our leaders, or we might soon discover – it is not only gospel music is in serious crisis.

Dr. Donald K. Stewart is pastor of Portmore Lane Covenant Community . He may be reached at covcomoffice@colis.com. Send feedback on Mind&Spirit mark.dawes@gleanerjm.com.

Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Lewis

Lester Lewis’ trendy and unconventional apparel and typical voice set him apart from other gospel artistes of his time. It is, however, his pioneering gospel reggae style has sealed him as an authentic Jamaican gospel singer.

"I am traditionalist and Jamaican feel comes out of naturally. I wasn’t trying change beat; it was ‘s intention. created music for his pleasure and all of it belongs him," he said.

His ministry includes his wife, Singing Rose, and son, Lestrado. Lewis said when he started out many years ago his mission was bring souls Christ and he is continuing steadfastly with charge.

Winner Man

His career bloomed after he won Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Song Competition in 1989 with Every Time I Read My Bible. song was well received by Jamaicans and is still popular today. Lewis entered competition again following year with Winner Man, but was placed third.

However, Winner Man also became hit in Jamaica and abroad. International gospel artiste, Ron Kenoly, adopted song, and Lewis’ international appeal was widened.

Since then, Jamaicans have come expect nothing but music with local flavour from Lester Lewis. He said his ground-breaking style gave birth other well-known gospel artistes such as Papa San and Prodigal Son, along with secular-turned-gospel producer, Danny Browne.

He is, however, not totally thrilled with what gospel reggae has become. All is not lost though, as remedy is simple.

"I would first implore them get into word. It says, not by might nor by power but by spirit of ," Lewis said.

He said people should not have wonder what some artistes are singing about and he has had impact on thousands of people without going overboard with his delivery. This is why he thinks artistes need be more united in cause.

Touch souls

"This music is going in too many directions. Music wasn’t created save souls, but for glory of . Glorify and he will touch souls," Lewis said.

It is no secret crime continues be hindrance in Jamaica, but Lewis believes gospel artistes can make difference. As for young Jamaicans, women in particular, "people call Kentucky. All see is breasts, hips and legs", Lewis lamented.

is part of reason his attire has always been stately, as he wants "bring back majesty in world". After all, he has set an example for his son.

"It has been great. His beat and lyrics are different. I like traveling and I get lot of good feedback. I get meet people are up there. I enjoying singing with him," Lestrado said of his father.

Lewis started out wanting change Jamaica and he has done primarily with his style. There is, however, much more be done. He is currently working with Deliverance Force (GDF) crusaders, planting churches reach unbelievers.

He recently released an album, Emmanuel, commemorate Christmas season. Lewis’ work was recently honoured with an Annual Leader Award by regional International Third World Leader Association in Trinidad. This is all part of master plan enhance Kingdom of .

"My goal is bring ‘s kingdom nations of world starting in Jamaica," Lewis said.

Lester Lewis (left), Singing Rose (centre) and Lestrado. – Contributed