Trinidad and Tobago’s very own Melly Rose and Jaron Nurse have taken the world by storm with their latest music video release for the song “The Greatest.” Premiering in an astounding 14 countries since its debut on October 16th, the dynamic duo of Melly Rose and Jaron Nurse is receiving praise from music lovers and critics alike.
Melly Rose, known for her powerful vocals and captivating style, expresses her deep gratitude for the incredible response to “The Greatest.” She humbly acknowledges the role of God, saying, “I thank God for His grace and all the blessings on this journey. I’m eternally grateful.”
“The Greatest” showcases a harmonious blend of Caribbean rhythms and global influences, uniting listeners worldwide with its infectious energy and positivity. Melly Rose hopes the song’s universal message continues to inspire and connect with people worldwide.
The music video for “The Greatest” is an artistic masterpiece that perfectly complements the song’s uplifting message. It’s a visual spectacle that leaves audiences captivated and immersed in the music’s celebration of life, love, and the pursuit of greatness.
With its international premiere, “The Greatest” is poised to become an anthem for unity and aspiration. Melly Rose and Jaron Nurse are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned
Marc Isaacs is labeled a true Minister in Music …Marc is known for touching hearts with his music.
A worship leader and music minister, music ministry has always been of paramount importance. The talented Marc Isaacs continues to define himself amongst the top gospel ministers both locally and regionally. The release of “Forever Love” follows his success of being nominated for ten (10) International Gospel (Marlin) awards in 2022 and walking away with two (2) of those awards.
“ Ain’t no better way to tell my journey of love and relationships through music and this song really captures that.” – Marc
Marc sees music as not just his gift from God but as his ministry. “Forever Love” is written by Marc Isaacs himself and produced by Bad K records.
To stay connect with Marc Isaacs, be sure to follow him on Instagram & Facebook.
Antiguan-born, Bronx-based Deejay Skerrit Bwoy releases his debut Electric Gospel Album “Jesus Party Vol. 1. The first of what is set to be a three volume series with each collection featuring eleven tracks, one for each disciple of Jesus, minus Judas. The impetus behind this project is Skerrit Bwoy’s calling to introduce people to fresh hard-hitting music that celebrates Jesus Christ in a manner that is both uplifting and fulfilling. Featuring songs such as “Christian Girl Dem” a song celebrating Christian women; “iXreal”, a play on Israel the place where it is prophesied that Jesus will return, and “Jesus Party” the title track which encompasses Skerrit’s mission when crafting the project.
Born on the Caribbean Island of Antigua, Richardson immigrated with his family to the Bronx section of New York city at the age of 9 years. Growing up in a new country had its challenges. Indeed, these challenges only helped to cultivate, at a young age, his love for music and entertainment. Inspired by his father and uncle who were successful local deejays and members of a prominent local sound crew, Richardson picked up the “family business” so to speak. While in High School he began to produce homemade deejay mixtapes by recording new reggae and dancehall music from the radio. Eventually learning how to deejay, craft his own mixes and blends.
Skerrit Bwoy
Skerrit Bwoy is no stranger to the entertainment profession, he was featured by prominent media outlets such as CNN, Large Up, The Fader, TruTV and even had a Documentary entitled “Temporary Sanity,” by Dan Bruun, which went on to be featured in several film festivals around the world. In addition, he toured as a MC/Hype Man with EDM powerhouse Major Lazer which included Dipo, Jillionaire and Switch. Skerrit Bwoy was an integral part of Major Lazer’s stage performance thus affording him the opportunity to be a contributor during the production and creation process, chiefly with the stated purpose of optimizing the music for translation to the stage for a show.
In between touring, Skerrit Bwoy continued to produce music for others and deejay night clubs and festivals throughout New York City, the Caribbean, Asia, and more, soon becoming the sort after “Selecta” and headliner. Despite his success however, he didn’t feel complete in his personal life and felt there was something missing. This is when Richardson decided to dedicate his life and his craft to Jesus Christ. When asked why he chose to keep his stage name Richardson explains: “Skerrit was a place in my country that was a home for the “unwanted” youth who had a street reputation, originally I went by that moniker because I never wanted to forget where I came from.” He goes on to say, “Ultimately I kept the name as a reminder of where I came from and also that God loves us all including the so-called unwanted. Actually he loves the unwanted the most”
After Skerrit got saved he became disillusioned with the music used in traditional churches. His background was hard-hitting up-tempo music and he felt that there was a void within Christian music that he could fill. “One day God told me, “Go Make Music…” explains Skerrit Bwoy when describing his decision to use his musical talents to spread the gospel. He goes on to add, “… I didn’t even know how to play an instrument… But as soon as I decided to make music, doors opened up for me. Coining the phrase “Electric Gospel”, Skerrit Bwoy combines elements of EDM, Pop, Dancehall and Soca while keeping the message of Christianity at the core of all of his compositions.
Skerrit Bwoy is truly a preacher at heart. In addition to producing Electronic gospel music, his mission is to bring the gospel to as many people as possible, however not in a traditional heavy- handed manner. There is Joy in being faithful to one’s beliefs and Skerrit Bwoy’s music wants to reflect that, and he is inviting everyone to join him in that joy.
For more information you can visit the website and be sure to Pre-Save the album link. You can also check him out on Soundcloud.
Gospel Reggae is undoubtedly the fastest-growing segment of Reggae music today. Born in the 1990s, Gospel reggae is the art of applying Christian (gospel) music to reggae rhythms and beats. Lester Lewis, who has been credited as the pioneer of Gospel Reggae started the genre with the song ‘Every Time I Read My Bible’ which had a steady Reggae beat laced with gospel-themed lyrics. The song won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Song Competition in 1989.
Gospel Reggae picked up so much traction that one of Lewis’s songs, ‘Jesus Is The Winner Man’, was covered by international gospel artiste Ron Kenoly. By the 2000s, Gospel Reggae was now a staple in the industry that other Reggae artistes starting including this style of art into their own music creation. Artists such as Clive Tennors, Hopeton Lewis, Sanchez, Papa San, Carlene Davis, Richie Stephens, Judy Mowatt, Lt. Stitchie, Luciano, and Junior Tucker took on Gospel Reggae as their style of music.
Initially, Gospel Reggae was not welcomed or appreciated by the religious community in Jamaica. Many religious leaders saw the introduction of reggae music into the church as a dilution of the faith and the beginning of secularization. The younger generation of Christians however, were more drawn to the form of worship as it was more relatable to them.
Even with the push back from the church, Gospel Reggae artists stuck to their belief that Christianity is all about spreading the message of Jesus, and so is reggae gospel. In a 2003 interview, Joshua Tucker spoke about the hesitation of some church ministries to accept Gospel reggae as putting “…God in a box.” Tucker said “ The Word of God says, ‘Life and death are in the power of the tongue’, it didn’t say life and death is in the power of the rhythm.” He explained that Reggae music was a tool and using it in the church did not take anything away from the faith.
Over time, it became hugely popular and successful in Jamaica and even took roots in the U.K. Today, a large percentage of the Jamaican population has accepted the art form; and Gospel Reggae holds it’s own sector of the reggae industry.
Who are some of the Top Gospel Reggae Artists today?
Jermaine Edwards
Edwards entered the entertainment scene with his first cd ‘Island Worship’ which was the top 3 selling gospel cd’s in Jamaica at the time and one of the most played local gospel album. Today he has released six albums, the last one titled ‘I Will Follow’ was released in 2019. Some of his most popular hits are ‘Peace in My Soul’, ‘Beautiful Day’ and ‘Lift Jesus Higher’.
Alaine
Alaine Laughton, who goes by her first name, is a Jamaican American reggae singer and songwriter. She was born in New Jersey but grew up in Jamaica from the early age of three. A record-breaking reggae singer with many secular hits like ‘Rise In Love’, ‘No Ordinary Love’ and ‘Favorite Boy’, Alaine changed her life path after being baptized a born-again Christian on Saturday, July 21, 2018, and in 2019 released a new single in the summer entitled ‘Boast inna God’. This single was well received and was followed by other Gospel Reggae hits including ‘You Give Me Hope’, and ‘Victory Rock’
George Nooks
Known by many for his monster gospel hit ‘God Is Standing By’, George Nooks who started off singing in the church choir had a stint as a deejay under the name Prince Mohamed in the 1980s before returning to his gospel roots in 2001.
His 2016 album Ride Out Your Storm reached number 4 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, and number 22 on the Gospel chart.
DJ Nicholas
Jamaican born Christian Reggae Artiste Nicholas Eccleston, more popularly known as DJ Nicholas can be considered as one of the leading Gospel artiste in the Caribbean. He has received many awards and recognition in the genre such as the YVA Awards Gospel Artiste Of The Year 2011 – 2013 consecutively, ‘The Atlanta Caribbean Gospel Awards 2012’ for ‘Album Of The Year’ among others. Some of his popular songs are ‘Holy Ghost Gym’, ‘Holy Ghost Church’, ‘Things Already Better’, ‘Naa Bow’, ‘Divine Mathematics and Cut It Off’.
Other Gospel artistes worth mentioning from the above ‘Reggae Gospel Various’ video are: Reubin Heights, Golda McFarlane, Joe Mettle, Joe Mettle, Sherwin Gardner, Joshua Drj, Omari, Shane Sylvester, and Dwayne Fyah
Devoted to his country, love of music and the ‘Most High’, Shawn English is on a mission to inspire Guyana with his music.
Shawn English catapulted into the mainstream of Guyana’s music Industry after winning the second season of the coveted GTT Guyana star competition. A competition which is responsible for many of the biggest musical acts in the nation today.
Shawn’s music samples heavily from his first artistic love: poetry and hence the reason his music, though fundamentally Caribbean, has a rap, hip hop touch to it. He is however, known for his ability to blend his many vastly differing influences from old soul, to classical to modern rap and even rock music to create his unique Sound. Shawn is also known for interjecting his naturally energetic persona into his music to create an undeniable and recognized sound that can turn a funeral song into a dance anthem.
The self-described old soul labels himself as somewhere between Musical Researcher/ Historian and says he spends much of his time exploring and educating himself about the varying genres of music. Coming from musical linage, his vast musical knowledge is evident in every aspect of his artistry.
Shawn English, a devout Christian, told Caribbean Entertainment Hub that in the early stages of his career he toured with the Sons of Thunder and as a result performed on many big stages in at least nine different countries around the world. In addition to the touring, Shawn English has done many commercially successful recordings including “shake your chains off”, “focus”, Let your light shine and many others.
As regards to his personal Life, Shawn English is still single. He explained that it is extremely difficult to maintain proper intimate relationships with the busy and demanding lifestyle of a performing artiste. He opined that his not being married is the work of God since he believes having a family would have limited his scope in terms of being an artiste. English also alluded to the well documented struggles of many local entertainers in an environment that does not produce much financial incentives. He said that for that reason he believes that had he gotten married and became a family man, he would have had to get a secular job which would have limited his prospects as regards to his music career. He, however, explained that even in the absence of financial incentives, he is encouraged by the prospect of touching and inspiring young lives and will for that reason continue to make music his life. He pleads to continue making gospel music that appeals to inspires and changes the lives of all especially our vulnerable youth population.
Shawn English was a part of ‘The Collab Album’ project that features many artistes from all parts of the world. The project included: Di Anointed Vale, Christafari an international reggae gospel music act, DJ Nicholas of Jamaica and many of the most famous names in the gospel music industry in the region. Caribbean Entertainment Hub exclusively covered the album launch which produced many surprise performances from famous acts from the Caribbean gospel music community. We support Shawn English in his mission of inspiring Guyana and the Caribbean with his music.
The power of music continues to transcend languages and knows no boundaries. It can evoke emotions and create feelings with the simply echo of a note. This magic however, when merged with the message of Christianity creates a unique genre known as ‘Gospel Music’.
Over the years we have noticed the growth and appreciation for this genre locally and regionally, and today we would like to highlight some of Trinidad and Tobago’s top gospel artistes.
JARON NURSE
With over 2.5 million views and counting on his 2019 hit single ‘Fed Up’, Trinidadian Award-winning Singer, Songwriter & Motivational Speaker Jaron Nurse continues to use music to transform the lives of many.
In 2015 his hit single ‘Positive Music’ made him a favorite within the gospel and secular community, earning him awards such as the ‘Overseas Artiste of the Year’ at the Gospel Flame Awards in Barbados and the ‘Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year’ at the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin in 2016.
The Carenage native uses his own personal testimony to inspire many though his music and motivational ministry. With hits like ‘My Rock’, ‘Caribbean Christian’, ‘Bless Meh’ and many more, the Jesus Youth’s as he calls himself says that it is not for his glory but all for the glory of God.
BLESSED MESSENGER
Up next we have a man who specializes in the art of messengerlogy. Tyronne Walters aka ‘Blessed Messenger’ is an Award-winning Gospel artiste and songwriter, hailing from the beautiful village in Bethel, Tobago.
Known for his powerful messages and high energy performances, he has been on a mission to rebuild T&T by reinforcing the value of the family unit in today’s society. In 2017, he also received the Gospel Music Awards of Trinidad & Tobago ‘Artiste of the Year’ title.
Today, with a well-respected ministry that extends over 10 years and popular hits like ‘Thank you in advance’, ‘Move Mountains’, ‘Famalay’, ‘Never Fail Me Yet’ and many more, he believes that the key towards most of the issues facing us today is the lack of moral values in society and spirituality and uses his music to help insight change for a better future.
POSITIVE
As his name implies, this Gospel Award-winning Reggae artiste and Songwriter continues to use his talent to promote love and positivity wherever he goes. Repping for Tobago once again is Joel ‘Positive’ Murray.
This talented singer has been blessing us with his smooth vocals since the release of his hit single ‘Never Let Go’ in 2008. After the tragic loss of his mother and sister, Joel was able to find the strength from God in music and refused to give up or lose hope. He encourages others to remain positive through whatever hurt or pain they may be experiencing.
Over the years he has given us many gospel anthems with songs like ‘Blessings after Blessings’, ‘Be My Comforter’, ‘Mighty Healer’, ‘Two Man Army’ and many more. Additionally his music continues to dominate charts such as the Billboards and iTunes in both the gospel and secular arenas.
As their ministry continues through music, we at Caribbean Entertainment Hub will like to commend these highly blessed Trinidad and Tobago Gospel artistes for their continuous contribution and mandate for change through the power of music. To stay updated with them and upcoming releases and performances, you can follow their social media sites:
Saiku Franklyn Andrews is arguably one of the biggest music acts in Guyana today with several international hits including “you” and “Pillow could speak.” This multi- talented superstar accolades extend beyond the realm of music; he doubles as an entrepreneur and most recently served as a judge on the GTT plus Star singing competition.
Saiku got an early beginning in his musical journey as a song writer. He penned the lyrics to “How are we gonna survive” performed by the Reggae/culture group ‘First Born’. The lyrics of this song introduced us to the conscience and thought provoking vibes that would become synonymous to the Saiku Andrews’ sound. With authenticity and confidence, he arrests the ear with his tone and the ease in which he sings his songs. His precision and carefulness of articulation conveys to the listener the importance of the message in his lyrics.
Saiku eventually became a devote Christian and by virtue has dedicated his craft to the spreading of the gospel. He got his big break, however, via his collaboration with the ‘Prodigal Son’ on the Song “Pillow could speak.” The song was a definite hit that resonated with audiences in and outside of the Gospel arena. Pillow could speak, is laced with a realism and pop culture relevance uncharacteristic of the average Christian music. According to Saiku the song was personal to him since it reflected his life’s struggles and his battles with matching people’s expectations of him to his own realities. He explained that the pillow in the song was a metaphoric representation of God and characterized the song as a conversation with the lord.
Saiku like many other artistes has had his fair share of challenges in Guyana’s complex music Industry. He explained that a major test for him was communicating to a populace accustomed to foreign standards, who felt that good music can only come from foreign artistes, that local artist can be just as good. Saiku said that there is no shortage of talent in Guyana, but it is rather an issue of available facilities to produce quality music. For which he has been a strong advocate. He believed that given the opportunity that local artiste could create at a standard that rivaled that of international artistes. He recorded his music with international producer and proved his mantle by producing quality music that was well received by Guyanese people.
Saiku Andrews is more than a gospel artiste. He is a well-established entrepreneur that boasts many successful business ventures and a husband and a father of four in addition to his role as an artiste and brand ambassador for GTT. When asked how he balances all these demanding portfolios he credited the unrelenting support of his wife. He explained that it is his wife that holds down the fort while he peruses his dreams. Saiku described himself as deliberate in all that he does; whether its music or business and is always looking for ways to expand and/or build his empire.
Future plans for Saiku Andrews include; completing his second Album. According to Saiku this album will feature a collaboration with Gospel Singer Eddie Nebblet, and though not an immediate plan, possible collaborations with some of the talent discovered via the GTT plus star competition. Saiku told us that he has a lot to be grateful for and acknowledged GTT for giving him the opportunity to broaden his horizons. When asked what advice he would give to upcoming artistes, Saiku said music is a product and therefore, requires more than a voice or good vocals to be successful. He opined that talent would be naught without the proper work ethics, attitude and promotional strategy. Caribbean Entertainment Hub is looking forward to following the journey of this superstar as he continues to inspire the masses through mastery of his craft
Gospel music has taken root in the Caribbean and is now an alternative to mainstream Dancehall and Soca music for Christian teenagers and young adults. This was apparent when a group of gospel artistes from across the Caribbean assembled on Saturday 15th June 2019 to perform in a mega concert and Album launch at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Guyana.
The Gospel fete included an impressive lineup of gospel music acts. The “Collab album” saw DI Anointed Vale teaming with many of the biggest names in Caribbean Gospel music to create an album of inspiring music that targets the youth in the Christian Congregation. The mega concert included a birthday cake presented to DI Anointed Vale by his wife, and major performances from local and international gospel artiste with an urgent call for unity amongst gospel artiste by the event host Gospel singer Kester D.
The evolution of gospel music was on show at this mega concert as the young performers delivered energetic performances that had the audience members partying like rock stars to the messages of the gospel. Amongst the star-studded lineup of performers was DJ Nicholas of Kingston Jamaica whose well received high energy performance had the entire audience jumping and dancing as the Gospel star belted hit after hit. DJ Nicholas’s popularity was evident as the audience responded to his many hits from the sound of the first beat. He delivered an absolutely riveting crowd engaging performance that blew the minds of those present for the spectacular performance. He ended by telling the audience of his love for performing to Guyanese audiences remarking on their over whelming support for his craft.
Guyanese gospel singing sensation Shawn English also performed at the concert. English who was catapulted into the mainstream of Guyanese entertainment via the coveted GTT Guyana Star Singing Competition, is now one of the most recognizable voices in gospel music in today. He is known for his blended sound that samples from a wide variety of musical genres including pop, soul, rock and even rap/poetry which he expertly combines with a vocal energy that can transform a funeral song into a dance anthem. Shawn English’s performance at the mega concert displayed all the finer qualities that defines the Shawn English experience. He electrified the audience with his characteristically high energy performance and brilliant vocals.
Di Anointed Vale was undoubtedly the man of the moment but not many will argue that the performance of the night came from the global reggae gospel Family band Christafari. Christafari is as extensively catalogued gospel band that calls themselves “Musicianaries” and professes a mandate to minister to as many of the world’s population as possible through their music. The band brought the house down with a performance that can be labeled as pure artistic gold as the band brought together the different factions of the arts to create one monumental performance. The family band treated the audience to some expertly choreographed dance routines, Brilliant vocals including; an awe-inspiring rendition of the Hill Song United’s hit “oceans”, a little bit of drama and a stylistic, over the shoulder guitar solo that dazzled the audience. Their performance was hit long before they decided to hose the audience with water in a surprise move elicited deafening screams of joy and applause from the enthused crowd. The performance never lost its intensity as they closed their performance with a bit of standup by Lead vocals Mark Mohr as he addressed serious religious issues such as baptism and hell fire through lighthearted humor and closed with a prayer.
Host Kester D took used the mega concert as a platform to address rumors of disharmony between the big-name gospel artistes. He repeatedly told the audience “it’s a one love thing” they are promoting and thanked, soon to be featured, Saiku Andrews for supporting the event. Caribbean Entertainment Hub wishes all these artistes continued success on their future endeavors and looking forward to continually featuring the development and evolution of gospel Music since it’s such an integral part of our cultural fabric.
