Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Michael 'Hugo' Forrestor (left), Dwayne 'Supaz' Davis (second left), Prince Edwards (second right) and Garin 'Tony' Clarke (right) comprise gospel group Sons of the Shepherd. - Contributed

Around this time last year, Jamaican gospel music witnessed the start of another promising, radical gospel group. Sons of the Shepherd was started by what some would probably call divine intervention.

Garin 'Tony' Clarke and Prince Edwards were performing at a gospel concert at the Kingston Open Bible Church when they realised that there was a promising future for them. That led to the addition of Michael 'Hugo' Forrestor and Dwayne 'Supaz' Davis, group leader. "We want to go out there and minister to the people and let them know that Christianity is not boring. The main mission is to get the word out there to the young people," said Tony, the group's DJ.

The members range from age 18 to 22, but they see their youth as a clear advantage in ministering to their peers.

Sons of the Shepherd is a young group, but they remain committed to getting to the top by sneaking in rehearsals just about any time they can. Sometimes they can only practice three times per week, but there are other weeks when they rehearse every day.

Mission

They have all been singing before becoming teenagers, but are now getting closer to the dreams that have been with them for many years.

The road to recognition and the ultimate goal of saving lives have already landed them performances on two of Jamaica's main gospel shows, 'Genesis' and 'Fun in the Son'.

Gospel reggae has come under fire, but the Sons believe the mission is right on target to get to the younger folks in peril and are hoping older people will jump on the reggae train. "We always get the criticisms and it is not going to change. Some people are used to the traditional gospel music, but we realise that as young Christians we can't reach everybody in the traditional way. We are trying to use a background that they are familiar with," Tony said.

It is essential that they get along because of the message they are trying to deliver, but it becomes a lot easier because of the mutual respect that they all have for each other. It is also simplified by the four having similar interests. They sometimes play pool together and work for the same business. Another thing they have in common is their adoration for local gospel artistes DJ Nicholas, Goddy Goddy and Katalys Crew.

Aspiration

The Sons of the Shepherd aspire to share the stage with Kirk Franklyn and reap a few Grammys.

Suzie, Spiritual High and How Shi Get Yuh Bible are some of the singles that they hope will get them on that stage, along with their compilation March Out, available in www.gospelreggae.com. And with a proclaimed energy that sets them apart, they are confident that they will make it. "We come wid dancing, a drive and creativity. We come to make sure that people understand and enjoy," Hugo said. "If we can't sing it, we going to dance it. If we can't dance it, we going to act it. If we can't act it, we going sign it."