By Teino Evans, Staff ReporterMANY HAVE described him as an extraordinary singer, while others see him as a mature person they can turn to for advice.
Leroy Richards, gospel artiste and finalist in the 2002 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Competition, says it's all about feeling what you sing. "It's not just about having the voice, but you have to put yourself into the singing," he said.
Richards, who started his career during his late teenage years, says he got his initiation through a church (Full Gospel Baptist) he use to attend back home in Brown's Town, St. Ann, where he was often called up to lead choruses in praise and worship sessions.
However, it was not before Richards moved to Kingston that he had his first real opportunity to shine. "I had the voice and so people would always encourage me to take it serious," he said. It was then he decided to enter the JCDC Gospel Competition in 2002.
According to Richards, entering the competition was a defining point in his career, as it gave him the breakthrough he needed. "It gave me a lot of exposure and getting something like that you have to give thanks. Normally you don't have the money to do your own promoting," Richards said. He has since received a number of invitations to perform at concerts and other church events.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Richards says he has embarked on a number of projects for this year and among these is his debut album, which he hopes to release in the summer. The style of musical arrangements on this album will be a mixture of both reggae and traditional gospel. "The album will be for the old, young and middle aged," Richards says.
Richards says he is adamant about the release of his first album, as he is a go-getter and will not stop until he achieves his purpose.
Outside of working on his first album, Richards can be found helping to develop young talents in the church to assist in spreading the word of God. Currently, Richards works along with two churches (Pentecostal Tabernacle in Helshire and the Full Truth Tabernacle in Lawrence Tavern, St. Andrew), doing voice training with the choirs. Throughout all of this, he has also found the time to start his own little gospel group, 'Leroy and the Soul Purpose Singers', and says the group is hoping to drop their first single soon.
Richards says he sees himself on the international stage, as he emulates overseas artistes like Ron Kenoly and Alvin Slaughter. He is confident that he can one day achieve such heights, but first he would like to develop his career locally. This, he says, can be achieved with the help of God and a supportive family. "Margiana (wife) and the kids (Kay-Ann and Craig) are very supportive of my ministry," Richards says. Married for more than 20 years, Richards says his wife is the one who always ensures that his appearance is sharp whenever he is going out to minister, while his children do their part by keeping him abreast of the latest in gospel music, like that from Papa San.
"Because of our culture, it's only the young people who really follow up the nowadays gospel music," he said. As for persons set in the traditional ways, the music has to be around for a while before it is accepted. It is mindsets like these, that Richards says he is trying to change, as the gospel should be preached via whatever medium is necessary in order for the word to reach all.
