Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
FOR CHRISTINE Allen, it is not coincidence that she will be performing what she considers the winning song in this year's Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Song Contest, but divine intervention. "At a time like this in our country the message needs to get across," she said.
With that said, though, she is approaching the competition armed and guarded with Here I Am, as she believes Clive Warren's Generation will keep her on her toes.
Allen was referred to songwriter Karleen Gordon by one of her church's members. "She knew I could sing and I always lead praise and worship and perform at weddings and other events," Allen said.
She has been singing since she was eight years old.
Allen said the JCDC competition is just another avenue to enlighten Jamaicans on the need for a change of heart. "There is no stopping me. Even if I don't win I will continue with my ministry," she said. Allen plans to pursue souls through the May Pen Baptist Singers, for which she is lead singer. She said they have taken the ministry to Florida and currently have singles being played on local radio stations.
ANTICIPATED EFFECT
Allen anticipates the effect the competition may have on her and the May Pen Baptist Singers, as she believes it will enhance something that is already alive and creating waves.
The continuous violence in the island has a lot of people on their knees seeking a sense of calm, and Allen's entry, Here I Am, is following along the same path. "It's a song of commitment telling us to give ourselves to God though we are unworthy. It's a prayer and a testimony for us to repent and start calling on God to use us," she said.
She wants the song to become a prayer to those who will hear. This is what she thinks will set her apart from the other contestants vying for the title. Though her song does not have the uptempo beat that many Jamaicans love, Allen believes the ballad will effectively "change hearts for a better nation".
Allen is married with one son and has been a Christian for over 18 years. The banker enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as the performing arts and reading. As a member of the May Pen Baptist Church, she is presently the Youth and Children's Choir director.
"I am always asking God to take me to the highest level and I think the Lord is using me," she said.
