GOSPEL ACT, KEREEN GREGORY, GETS RADIKAL WITH NEW SINGLE

Kingston, Jamaica - When singer Kereen Gregory, aka KG, entered the JCDC Gospel Song Contest in 2008, she was defined as a great singer with lots of potential. Her lyrical path was the safe religious homilies that could light a spark and leave Christians with that good feeling.
However, four years later, Kereen Gregory is not merely setting off sparks, she is creating fires and firestorms of criticism as she explores her musical horizons in her quest to win souls for Christ. Her lyrical content has moved from safe to edgy -- some would perhaps say 'too edgy -- and KG has stepped out as a dancehall deejay, while keeping true to her God-centric focus.
In 2011, Kereen teamed up with controversial and successful gospel artiste, Prodigal Son and embraced the challenge to boldly step out into the world as a testimony to her faith. KG entered Prodigal's Radikal Yawd outfit and was re-baptised. She emerged from the studio sounding like a seasoned deejay, throwing down lyrics that were sure to make both Christendom and the world stop and listen.
One of her singles on the Radikal Yawd imprint is called Who Me You Mad and is chockful of sexual overtones, while driving home the point that God is her only man and is totally in charge of her existence. "You a di boss, You a di don", Kereen declares in one verse of the song, prior to going into the ear-popping chorus: Who me, you mad, fi one night of fun fi go cheat with the devil and give me God bun?
While some may feel that Kereen has compromised her Christianity with over-the-top lyrics such as these, Kereen herself is confident that the song is all part of that great divine plan and remains resolute in the face of growing criticism.
"Who Me You Mad is an out-of-the-box kind of song, but as Christians we know that we sometimes have to go where 'macca' can stick us and stick those around us so that they can wake up and see God's goodness," KG said. "And I didn't even know that I could deejay," the gospel singer added with a laugh.
According to Kereen, the song has received so much attention from both the dancehall and non-religious radio, that it has forced on-air gospel shows to start placing it on their programmes.
"It is great to sing a song in church and get a hearty 'Amen', but we as Christians must remember that we cannot always focus on preaching to the converted. If this song brings even one soul to Christ, I will feel that my mission has been accomplished," she said.
Kereen's other single on the Radikal Yawd label is called Lord Do Me Again and this too, has seen her stepping out of her usual comfort zone of traditional gospel songs.
Currently under the management of Butterfly Muzik Limited, KG is preparing for yet another milestone event in her gospel career – the launch of her debut album in the first half of 2012. For this offering, she has worked with producers Gifton Smith, Alex Blanken and Radikal Yawd.

Mr Gallimore a hit in Trinidad

After delivering a solid performance in Trinidad over the Easter Weekend gospel singer Mr Gallimore is back in the island.
The gospel DJ performed to a receptive audience inside the Mobs 2 venue at one of Trinidad’s biggest gospel festival.
Gallimore who recently signed a production deal with the P&W Music team, turned back the hands of time with songs such as Sick in Yah and Never Lukewarm, with the latter finding particular favour with the crowd after its dominance of the twin islands airwaves.
Newer anthems such as Brokenness to Victory and Prayer also registered well with the audience.
Chat! caught up with the gospel DJ who expressed his pleasure at his experience there. “It was a real blessing for me to be able to bring my ministry to the people there (Trinidad). It was my first time in Trinidad and so I was really happy with the reception that the ministry received....the people reacted well,” said Gallimore.
Now back home Gallimore is in the studio putting the finishing touch on his upcoming album Brokenness to victory. The album is expected to be ready for the summer with tracks such as Pray, Not A Competition and Perv.

Lisa Grant delivered in Canada

P & W artiste Lisa Grant made her presence felt in Toronto in late March when she appeared on the Caribbean Festival of Praise. The singer represented Jamaica with her message of hope to the masses there.
When she went on stage it was definitely worship time as she infused a spiritual energy that saw patrons singing along, with their hands outstretched, intent on one thing and that was to send up praises to the King.
Lisa was in a no nonsense mood as she set about using her ministry of song to do deliver the word.
Among the songs she thrilled the crowd with were Power of Praise, Stepping Out and the Latin-inspired acoustical rework of the hymnal classic leaning which had the crowd totally involved as they sang along the words of the well-known song.
The gospel singer was touched and humbled at the overwhelming response she received in Canada, but for her the best part was in knowing that she managed to touch souls through her songs.
Another gospel act out of Jamaica also delivered a sterling performance and that was the Katalyst Crew who are no strangers when it comes to igniting the crowd on fire.
With her Canadian performance behind her Lisa Grant is now gearing up to shoot the music video for POP Vol 1 title track Power Of Praise.

GOSPEL ARTISTE LISA GRANT WILL NEVER LOOK BACK

After her 2007 effort Never Look Back, Lisa is back in the studio working hard, putting her inspiration to paper while joining forces with some of the very best in the business. The soon to be titled project is expected to feature her trademark vocals and rich harmonies over semi-contemporary beats resulting in an album that her fans will really enjoy.
The young gospel singer’s appearance on the much touted POP Volume One compilation album – another P&W project – brought her ministry to the forefront of local gospel with radio anthems such as the title track Power of Praise, Stepping Out (featuring Ryan Mark) and the Latin inspired rework of the classic hymn Leaning, all bringing her closer to her growing fan base.
The Rollington Town native has been a servant of Christ for virtually her entire life, and is committed to taking her conviction to the World to effect positive change in the lives of those she comes in contact with. In fact, Lisa has been performing for as long as she can remember…even back to the days when she had to be placed on a chair so that the audience could see her tiny three year – old frame. Even at that tender age, her talent was there for everyone to see, with a commanding yet soothing voice.
It all started for her during a fateful meeting with P&W Music boss, Randy McClean, who encouraged her to get into the ministry after witnessing a stirring performance at a watchnight service.
“I would like to see lives being changed through my ministry in music. I have seen where secular music has affected people’s lives in a negative way and I would love to see my music changing people’s lives for the better. I want to see persons smiling again, being encouraged and families coming together, despite the rough and sometimes chaotic situations that we face day by day,” she professes.
Lisa’s Ministry has taken her through the length and breadth of Jamaica and has allowed to minister in the Bahamas much to the delight of her audience.
The soft spoken songstress list the likes of Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis and Chevelle Franklin as her main sources of mucisal inspiration, along with McClean and her ever present parents as her main motivators.
She has so much to say and all the requisite skills to make you take notice and listen.

Lisa Grant for Festival of Prayz

P&W artistes Lisa Grant if gearing up for her performance in Canada this weekend for Caribbean Festival of Prayz. The singer along with Katalys Crew will be representing Jamaica at the event as she takes her message of hope to the masses there.
The festival which runs from March 26 – 30 will see Lisa and Katalys performing on March 28.
Lisa has been steadily making her mark on the scene since her 2007 album which features tracks such as Behold I Come Quickly, God Is Able, What Have I Done and The Lamb among others.
With her sweet, soothing voice the singer has been able to make that connection with her listeners.
Grant further endeared herself into the hearts of many when she appeared on the award winning POP Volume One compilation album – another P& W project which brought her ministry to the forefront of local gospel with radio anthems such as the title track ‘Power of Praise’, ‘Stepping Out’ (featuring Ryan Mark) and the Latin inspired acoustical rework of the hymnal classic ‘Leaning’, all bringing her closer to her growing legion of fans.
Following her performance in Canada Grant and P&W stable mate Mr Gallimore will be looking towards the Rustic Concert Series – Pre-Easter Praise Concert on April 4.

MR GALLIMORE…FROM BROKENNESS TO VICTORY

Kemar Gallimore aka Mr Gallimore has steadily grown his ministry over the years with his trademark wailing sound wrapped over bass-rich rhythms.
His talent and powerful delivery of his message in songs is the staple of his identity as he manages amidst the ever-growing gospel music to carve out a solid base for his growing ministry. And with a new album, aptly title Brokenness to Victory now in the works, the young minister is charged more than ever to take his word across the highways and byways.
Having started his musical career as part of the popular Main Street Records family, Mr Gallimore is now a popular fixture on the gospel scene and have made several appearances at some of the top international and local productions such as Fun in the Son and the Genesis Music Festival in full agreement to his personal commitment to “reach the lost at any cost and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ uncompromised.”
Born in 1981, Mr Gallimore is a true product of one of Jamaica’s harshest inner cities having grown up in the volatile, Trench Town community. As a youngster he was exposed to excessive politically induced violence, which invariably affected his childhood, giving him a sense of hopelessness and despair. Today, his life is a testimony of the power of his Saviour, and he aptly summarises his triumph over his circumstances as God’s gift to him of “beauty for ashes.”
His entrance in the gospel music industry was preceded by a powerful and life changing spiritual experience; his conversion from the Rastafari belief system to faith in Jesus Christ in 1997. His conversion was set in motion after reluctantly accepting an invitation to a Bible class in ‘Rema’ Community.
He was not fully convinced of the Gospel of Jesus Christ until one day while showering at home, he felt what he described as a “mighty, rushing wind” coming over him and he began uttering praises to God. A period of calm and a sense of inner peace followed. He submitted to the call of Jesus, which he felt strongly on his life. He began fellowshipping at a local (Jamaican) assembly and committed to a personal relationship with the Lord.
Deejaying then moved from being a hobby to a passionate career. His first major recording was with Ziggy Soul. Gallimore and reggae-gospel Deejay, Moses formed the KGs, a group name based on their initials (Kemar Gallimore/Kasim Grant). They eventually separated, each into their individual acts. Mr Gallimore responded to an also converted Danny Brownie’s (former secular producer) search for hardcore deejays.
After much grooming by the Mainstreet patriarch (Brownie), Gallimore was given the opportunity to ‘voice’ on the Yow! Street Gospel Volume I album. He appears on subsequent YOW volumes.
The firebrand minister is now signed to the ballooning P&W Music label and was featured on their recently released POP Volume One compilation. The Randy McClean - operated label is also responsible for the deejay’s Brokenness to Victory project, which is set to be completed in short order.
Among Mr Gallimore’s other recordings are Marching, What’s Going On, Tink seh Mi Sick, Brokeness to Victory, Prayer and Problem.
SOURCE: www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com

Prodigal Son to perform in Sierra Leone

Gospel recording artiste Calvin Whilby aka Prodigal Son will be heading to Sierra Leone for a series of free concerts in Freetown scheduled to take place from Wednesday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8 at the Brima Attouga Kamara Mini Sport Complex.
Prodgal Son has shared the stage with such renowned artistes Jimmy Cliff, Destiny’s Child, Jermaine Jackson, Maxi Priest, Fred Hammond, Shaggy, Junior Gong, Beenie Man, Bounti Killa, Regina Belle, Calypso Rose, Barrington Levy, Luciano and more.
Performing at sold out venues spanning crowds as huge as 150,000, Prodigal has performed at events such as Antiguan Governmental Celebrations (Caribbean), International Reggae Festival of Life (Chicago, USA), Fun in the Sun, Recharge, and Sting (Jamaica), France World Cup Qualifier Match (Jamaica vs Mexico), Air Jamaica sponsored UK Tour, Israel & New Breed Tour (Jacksonville, USA) and many other international events.
His special performances in Freetown are sponsored by Ben Cerullo Ministries.
SOURCE: www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com