Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
Goddy Goddy in performance at the concert. - photos by Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer
First there was Jazz in the Garden and now there is Gospel in the Garden. Patrons gathered in the garden of the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston on Sunday for a scintillating time of praise and worship.
With popular gospel artistes such as Judy Mowatt, Goddy Goddy and Katalys Crew, some turned out early to get as close to the action as possible. But before the main event, children took the opportunity to utilise the main playground amenities, while adults soaked in the scenic beauty.
It was a storybook setting as the evening sun was gently fading and serenity was taking its toll.
And with Michelle Newell's pleasant country and western intonation, some might have pictured riding off into the sunset. But they could not leave, as they were about to make welcome Goddy Goddy. Eve succumbed to the Devil in the form of a serpent in the Garden of Eden but when the entertainer once called 'Snake Man' appeared, the Devil had to flee. From maddy maddy to Goddy Goddy, Howard Reynolds' radical tunes added flavour to the mixed audience. Surprisingly, even the posh uptowners yielded to the commands of the artiste. He touched on Sanctified, Titus of the Calypso, Spiritual Pitching and Haffi Guh A Heaven, all from his own repertoire. But the song that probably got the most hype was a Jamaican favourite, Hear My Cry Oh Lord. Goddy Goddy gave testimony of his life before being saved. He also warned against sexual immoralities.
Cannot sleep
Arguably the most radical gospel group in Jamaica, Katalys reminded those in attendance that they cannot afford to be sleeping with the peril the world is now facing. It is not everyday that one can hear gospel artistes thanking Bob Marley for his contribution in opening doors for other Jamaicans on the world stage, but Katalys thanked him for affording them the opportunity.
Stop the bag of mouth
The message resonated in the song Action that they wanted the Government to stop with the "bag of mouth." But as people of God, they saw the need to Pray Fi Dem.
Judy Mowatt sealed the evening with a powerful second half. She laid it all out and the people found favour. Many will remember her in days as a pretty good reggae artiste but that does not compare to the spirituality that is evidenced in each of the songs she sang. She garnered a level of credibility that is rarely conveyed amid the hype of other artistes who are seemingly more concerned about riling up an audience. Who Is He, Many Are Called, Heal Our Land, Unconditional Love, Hold Dem Jesus, are only a few of the songs she pulled on.
