Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
Gospel singer Dwayne Murphy. - CONTRIBUTED
GOSPEL SINGER Dwayne Murphy ministers through acting and the words of his songs, notably at his church, Tavern Bible Way in Papine, St. Andrew. "I started acting at about age 15 or 16, because that's when I became bold enough to do silly things in front of people," said Murphy, his last name also being his stage name.
However, his main talent is singing, which he applied well at the Genesis Festival 2006. He performed You with gospel DJ Craig C and What We Need is Love. "It was somewhat of a proud moment. Everybody went through so much testing and trials to be on Genesis and we said we're just going to minister and have fun," said Murphy.
He started singing professionally in 2004. As a child he sang in church choirs, but later recorded several songs, including Father All We Need is Love, You, Christmas Without the Snow and Be Saved. He is also working on an album, to be released later this year, as well as singles and videos for February.
You was done with Craig C and is on the Mainframe rhythm, produced by Holy Ground Records, to which Murphy is signed. Be Saved is also on the Mainframe.
CHALLENGES
"There are a lot of challenges in gospel. It takes a lot of patience and humility, you have to be careful of the influences because your peers are singing as well. Sometimes you may get caught up in the spotlight. It's been a learning process so far, it's been growing and it is overwhelming," said Murphy.
To keep his humility, Murphy concentrates on the real job at hand. "I have to keep focused on the ministry, because that's what it really is. Competition is always there, because there are other artistes who are as good as me, but we have to focus on God and place in our mind that we are going out there to bring souls to Christ; that's the aim," said Murphy.
Murphy has been a Christian for eight years and reflects on the time when he received the calling.
"One night I went to my mother and told her I wanted to get saved. She told me I didn't know what I was getting myself into. One night I went to church and to the altar out of obedience; I got the infilling of the Holy Ghost and I got saved that night," said Murphy.
TEMPTATION
As a young Christian, dealing with temptation wasn't easy. "Most of my friends are Christians now, but when I was at Papine High School my friends were not. Being young, I never really got the grasp of what Christianity was all about, especially with the boyfriend and girlfriend story. With God's help, I tried my best to stay out of the most dangerous parts of it," said Murphy.
As a full grown Christian, Murphy takes a structured approach to his songwritiong. "I try and write my songs in the simplest way so that it's really easy to catch. I also include a message in the song, whether it's encouragement, rejuvenation or celebration," said Murphy.
LIVE TESTIMONY
With his writing talent, he brings life to his songs. "As a child singing in the church choirs I was taught to sing my songs with meaning. My songs are like a live testimony, I write based on how I feel. Father All We Need is Love, one of my new songs, Bye Bye Farewell, relates to the death of a co-worker," said Murphy.
Murphy's musical ministry is strengthened by the support of eight brothers, one sister and both parents.
"My father supports my ministry 100 per cent. My brothers and sister are motivators, and my mother is behind my music as well. Most of my family are Christians. The support I get from them helps me to go on in the faith, as well as the ministry," said Murphy.
