By Teino Evans, Staff ReporterJAMAICAN GOSPEL artistes Howard 'Goddy Goddy' Reynolds and Tyrone 'Papa San' Thompson are still in high spirits, in the aftermath of the recently held 'Barbados Gospel Fest'.
Goddy Goddy was ecstatic about the overwhelming response he received from the crowd.
"The energy was a hundred per cent. Di people dem did hungry for my ministry, because when I went there two years ago I only did two songs and they wanted more. I did Spiritual Kitchen from my first album, (entitled Goddy Goddy), but it is still one of the biggest hits in Barbados," Goddy said.
Goddy says when he left the stage the patrons were still very enthusiastic and it was difficult to restore calm to the crowd. Goddy says Papa San, however, put the icing on the cake and they were both successful in 'fully closing down di place'.
Calvin Baker, Goddy Goddy's manager, said the event was well-attended and the Jamaican reggae gospel well-received.
"The promoters said that it was a record turnout for the festival in spite of other festivities on the island, including the motor car rally. The line-up was superb and the Jamaican gospel (reggae) was well received. Patrons sang line by line in many instances as the artistes delivered their music ministry," Baker said.
Baker says plans are now in high gear for Goddy's next stop, which will be at the TD Jakes' 'Mega Fest' slated for June 23 to 26, 2004, where Papa San is also slated to perform.
Papa San, in relating his own experience of the Gospel Fest, said the entire festival was an overwhelming experience.
"Is di biggest one dem have so far. Thousands of people turned out and it was an awesome night," San said. He also said that his song Smile Again had inspired the Prime Minister's assistant to give a written testimony. According to San, if this was the only good thing that came out of the festival he would have still been happy.
San says Smile Again is also number one in the Barbados Top 10 songs.
Papa San says the event was widely covered as "BET was there videoing the whole thing and we did an interview which will be airing soon on BET Jazz."
Papa San says he will soon be heading off to Miami in June, as he was nominated for a gospel artiste of the year award. San is also slated to go on tour in Africa with Kirk Franklin in early August.
The Barbados Gospel Fest showcases the very best in local, regional and international gospel music. This year's event was dubbed 'One Awesome Day' and was held at the Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter.
Among other acts featured on the show were Soul Winners, Instruments Of Praise, the Praise Dance Academy of Barbados and American singer Deitrick Haddon.
