Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
Otis 'Rychus' Jones (left) and Jason 'J Miah' Simpson, who together form Miah-Rychus. - CONTRIBUTED
MANY ARE called, few are chosen and one was called to be a Jeremiah.
"I chose Miah from Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, because I was called to be a Jeremiah. One day while at the church on Dayton Avenue, Kingston 10, the preacher made a call for Jeremiah. Without hesitation or even a second thought, I got up and said that's me," said Miah, 23 years old.
REACHING ALL AUDIENCES
He is Jason Simpson, one half of gospel duo Miah-Rychus, the other being Otis Jones. "The name 'Rychus' was derived from my lifestyle that I had to adapt to and it is found in 1 John 3:7," said 20-year-old Jones.
Miah-Rychus sings a mixture of gospel songs, reggae, soul, techno and rock, the aim being to create an avenue to minister to each and everyone.
"The aim is to relate to all types of audiences, the younger generation and the older people. We are trying to make people more acceptable to newer types of music and, most importantly, to win souls who have different preferences," said Rychus.
Miah, who started singing in church from age five, was brought up in a Christian home and stuck on the straight and narrow. Rychus, on the other hand, has had a taste of both worlds. He also started deejaying at age nine and became a Christian at 12, but strayed by age 13. Seven years later he rejoined the holy fold.
Miah-Rychus was formed in June 2005 and the two performed at several shows, including Rise To Christ.
They also performed at gospel entertainment centres like Club Christendom and Prayz House. In association with the Inter-School's Christian Fellowship (ISCF) they have performed at several schools.
They have also have recorded several songs, including I'm Not Sorry, Don't Stop Praise Him, In Need of You, Battlefield and You Are Not Alone.
They are signed to Lighthouse Records.
Their ministry is not without its challenges. "As a minister, much is expected from me to the audience in terms of conduct and lifestyle and sometimes it's challenging to live up to every body's expectations. These challenges are mental," said Rychus.
Miah takes comfort in the Lord. "By the grace of God we are trying to be more like Christ. In so doing we will live up to people's expectations who look up to you as a minister," said Miah.
They credited their families with giving them support.
Miah-Rychus has been working with the Solid Rock Band, also from Portmore, with whom they plan to do recordings. Although their music does not offer significant monetary rewards, saving souls is more important to them.
"We make our songs genuine because we are being truthful about the words that we speak. The songs are about our experiences and how God has helped us," said Rychus.
"It is God's work; seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all things will come unto you. It does not offer the greatest deal of financial benefits, but the aim is not for money, the aim of the music is to win souls," said Miah.
