By Teino Evans, Staff Reporter 
Gospel dub duo Kevin and Robin. - File
THOUGH THE use of dub poetry is not very popular in the gospel or secular music industries, there have been those who have committed their ministry to using the art form in their efforts at winning souls for Christ.
The introduction of dub poetry, or 'reggae talk', in Jamaica took place in the late 70s and since then persons who have tried their hand at the art include the likes of Mutabaruka, the late Mikey Smith, Queen Majeeda, Yasus Afari, and DYCR.
However, for gospel music, the household dub poetry name for some years has been Kevin and Robin Kevin Bailey and Robin Cummings, respectively.
The duo has sought to utilise their talents in the field, as they seek to bring across the message in a different way.
EARLY STRUGGLES
Kevin and Robin have been dubbed the only Christian dub poets in Jamaica, but according to Cornelius Brown, publicist for Stitchie, the genre is under-utilised in gospel and those that seek to develop the art as a means of winning souls for Christ are not shown much appreciation.
"Kevin and Robin are probably the only Christian dub poets in Jamaica and they have not been given the recognition and respect that they deserve," he said.
There are others, like Patrick Baker and a group of youngsters called 'Positive Influence', who are not well-recognised, while others are not as active because of the struggles that they have had to endure in seeking to use dub poetry to minister for Christ.Kevin and Robin have been doing dub poetry from as early as 1982, but as the two point out, it has by no means been an easy road.
"We have been there the longest and many people have regarded us as pioneers, from the earlier days when reggae music was just becoming a part of gospel. There is, however, a
stigma that is attached to dub poetry," Robin said.
Robin, in explaining this stigma, said that the origins of dub poetry had heavy Rastafarian roots and many persons have come to associate the art form with the movement.
"Persons like Mutabaruka, DYCR and others who do dub poetry are predominantly Rasta," he said.
Robin can recall persons walking out during their early performances.
"Dub poetry tends to be very explosive and protestant and even though it's gospel that we do, it is not very different from the original art form and people tend to be very uncomfortable because of this. Sometimes when people hear that you are a dub poet they sometimes think of us in a lesser light, because of the language (patois) we use, but when they actually come face to face with us they realise that these are sensible persons," Robin said.
The acceptance of dub poetry in the church has, however, come a far way, even though there is still a far way to go.
"First time we could not originally fit into the context of morning service, but it was only when they went into the inner cities that they'd come and call us," Robin recalled.
However, the traditional church view may be about to change, as Kevin and Robin say they have seen people come to the Lord through their utilisation of the art form.
"We are seeing the end results now. We never had any questions as to what dub poetry could do; it was always others who were questioning it. Now, people are coming to realise, through time, that it is a real art form and though it may have had its genesis through Rastafarians what we are doing is bringing forth a message from God," they said.
PLACE IN MINISTRY
Now, Kevin and Robin have set their eyes on the bigger picture, as they see the possibility of dub poetry extending positive messages to Jamaica and the wider world.
"There is certainly the potential and capacity for us to make it internationally, but the marketing and promotion of the product or person is critical and we are working on that right now. We have done some gigs abroad and we have seen the response. It took us seven years to put out our first album, Undying Faith (released in 2002), and we are hoping to come out with some other stuff by next year," Robin said.
EFFECTIVE METHOD
Gospel promoter and musician Sam Wisdom says he feels that every genre of music has a place in ministry and dub poetry has proven to be a very effective method of spreading the message.
"You have to reach different people with different messages and, based on my experience being on the road, it, (dub poetry), is very effective even though it is not a traditional method. So that's why I have dub poetry on every 'Back to Basics', with the exception of one, for the past five years," Wisdom said.
Dub poets 'Positive Influence', a group of 10 vocalists, has performed across the island with Sam Wisdom on his 'Back to Basics' shows and, according to group leader Lovell Dixon, persons have recently begun to embrace the art form.
"To be frank, we have had some positive response, as we deal with everyday situations with a biblical base. Things are changing and people are realising that the methods too have to change, and my personal opinion is that there is a future for dub poetry in the church, both locally and internationally," Dixon said.
