Following a day of working on community projects in honour of Jamaica’s celebration of Labour Day, on Thursday, May 23, many turned out to enjoy the free gospel concert at the Emancipation Park in New Kingston. It was an evening where praises abound as one artiste after the other lifted up the name of Jesus.
While some were ‘fiery and energetic’ prancing all over the stage in their delivery, others focused more on engaging the audience by rapping with them and encouraging them to live out their faith and keep their focus where it really belongs—the problem solver, Jesus Christ.
The evening started off with praise and worship with co-emcee Nadine Blair’s group. Perpetual Praise setting the pace for what was to follow as they ‘blessed the ground’.
Courtney Cooke, who declared he had “five senses minus one,” did not allow his lack of sight to affect his delivery as he moved in perfect rhythm, delivering some gospel songs such as “Give Me Pass, Let Me Praise Mi God” and “This Little Light of Mine,” among others, in his short stint before making way for Candy Isaacs, who engaged the crowd in a worship session as she powerfully belted out the words to “I’m Free” before changing the pace to some hand-clapping numbers.
Alwin Bleeching did a lively stint and created magic on the keyboard as he sang, “In the Valley” as well as a praise and worship medley that included ‘I Look Down the Road and I Wander’ and ‘Cover Me Jesus’.
Rhoda Isabella was all over the stage as she ranged between slower worship songs and foot-stomping numbers. Wherever she went, the crowd was more than willing to follow with her prodding them to worship.
Jim Radical and Johnmark Wiggan were engaged with fast-paced riddim songs, making use of the stage in their delivery.
Minister and gospel deejay Goddy Goddy was in a militant mood, and it
was clear he was taking no prisoners as he chanted he is a “wa
rrior for Jesus,” building up the frenzy as he instructed patrons to “put unno rag inna di air and lift up unno hands” as he continued his warrior lyrics and shooting darts at the enemy.
Kevin Downswell brought the curtains down on the evening’s performance in fine style, ministering to the crowd as he gave words of encouragement both in songs and talking to them.
“This is your year; some of you have spent 10 years waiting for change, for things to turn around; some have been praying for a for a long time, asking God why, but it a come, put your hand on your chest and say ‘it a come’ he declared as he launched into his latest song, ‘My Year’.