Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
Christopher Clarke, JCDC Gospel Song Contest 2006 finalist. - CONTRIBUTED
Since it was first held in 1987, no one has ever won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Gospel Song Competition twice. But that could change this year as the 1995 winner, Christopher Clarke, will try to break that glass ceiling in the competition's 20th staging.
"I believe it was always in me and that has been my inspiration," Clarke said.
The man who attends the Point Hill Church of God of Prophecy in St. Catherine said he is not distracted by the buzz that surrounds some of the other contestants. "I am 100 per cent confident I will the this year's winner. As far as I am concerned though, I already won. I am in the top 10 out of over 400 people," he said.
But Clarke paused before he answered, which could mean that the outcome is not as clear and decisive as he would indicate. But he thinks his song, My Keeper, has all the right components to be on top. "It is not one if those uptempo songs, but one that you can sit or stand and listen to the message of the song," he said.
INSPIRATIONAL
The song, which was written by Kenton Barton, is intended to be an inspiration for those who might feel they don't belong. The first stanza serves as a reminder that the Lord is the pilot through times of tribulation. "It's not what people thinks about you, but what the Lord has in store for you. God can make something out of nothing," Clarke said.
He said he has had previous encounters where he has been ridiculed because it was felt he did not fit in. He hopes others going a similar ordeal will realise that "God can do the unexpected".
"When evil is on you like a razor...waiting to destroy your soul, God can sustain you," Clarke said.
Christopher Clarke, who has been singing from age seven, said he will continue to use his voice as a tool for spreading the gospel regardless of the outcome of the competition. He has the means to do so with his gospel singing group, Christopher Clarke and the Victory Band. "You have to look at it in a spiritual way. You might not win the competition, but you might win a soul. That us the most important thing." Clarke said of his efforts.
ANOTHER LEVEL
His neighbour owned a sound system on which he had early practice, but his ministry started in 1991 when then Lord turned his life around. He is on serious mission to help with saving lives and has taken it to another level, being a fireman.
Clarke's dream of becoming a father could soon be realised as he and wife, Sodette, are planning a little family of their own. He described his wife as his biggest motivator and they both worship at the Point Hill Church of God Prophecy.
