THEY STARTED as a group of three musicians playing at functions; now Greatvine Ministries is a contender in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), National Gospel Song competition's finals. The members of the vine stretch from the second city of Montego Bay to the cool, cool hills of Mandeville and stretching all the way to St. Mary.
They have now added five vocalists and are on a mission to become the next big thing. "I think this is one of the best years of the competition. The songs are very good and meaningful," said band manager Noel Brooks.
That should, however, cast no doubt that Greatvine's entry, In Your Presence, can win the competition. "It's a simple song with a simple message. It is telling young people to stay focused in the presence of the Lord," Brooks said. He said that regardless of what may dishearten among young people, the safest place will always be with the Lord.
In Your Presence, he thinks, stands out because it does not move at the regular fast-paced tempo. While Brooks believes that styles of presenting music vary based on the target audience, he noted that ministers should choose their tool carefully and manage it well as it is unsettling to some people that some gospel songs sound too much like that of secular artistes.
TWO-FOLD OPPORTUNITY
It may sound like a cliché, but Greatvine sees the competition as a two-fold opportunity. "We want people to see us as a major unit in gospel music so we can solidify our identity in Jamaica. We also want to expose Orale Johnson's (the songwriter) song," Brooks said.
They are also hoping that the competition will create a platform for an album they are currently working on. According to Brooks, too many young people think that gospel music is not a lucrative career in Jamaica, but they are trying to lead by example.
Their quest will not end if they fall short on July 30. Since its inception in 2004, the group has ministered in various parts of Jamaica, participating in church services, weddings, and is currently preparing to take their first tour of the Caribbean in November of 2006.
A group that is "always on the move" could also be making a stop in Hawaii this year. The Mandeville-based group only practises on Saturdays as they live in different parishes, but the commitment speaks for itself.
With so much confidence among contestants, the final showdown at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre cannot come any sooner. But until then, Greatvine is going to trust for the best.
"Truth be told, we are all winners. Greatvine can only hope for the best. I am really considering that we can take it. We believe the song appeals to a wide cross-section and it has good harmony," Brooks said.
- A.J.
