André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Gospel artiste, Craig C. - File

Collin 'Craig C' Chambers is only 20 years old, but has already made it clear that he is one of Jamaica's upcoming gospel artistes.

Almost every other Jamaican artiste will say they realised their talent during school days when they would knock on desks and clash musically with other classmates. The same is true with Craig C. About five years ago the lad had an encounter with the Lord and decided to lend this talent to bringing souls to Christ.

"As young artistes in the gospel industry, it is not easy for you to rise. In the secular world you might have an older artiste who take up a young artiste and start bringing them ... You have to come different. You have to be under the anointing," Craig C said.

But since he now has a track on the Mainframe rhythm, he is obviously covering grounds and heading in the right direction.

Strong spiritual background

Fortunately for Craig C, his strong spiritual background and his involvement with his church's youth group, Portmore United, has prepared him for some of the harshness of the world outside and the little disapproval he has faced. One stumbling block that most young artistes face is the quest for appearances on major shows. He has been on the Genesis line-up for the past two years, but is still looking to be the artiste that is always considered for other events.

The Bible encourages patience and good courage so, for now, Craig C is waiting on the Lord for his appointed time.

In the meantime, his seven recorded songs are getting heavy rotation on radio stations as he focuses on his upcoming album. The album will include You, Born To Do This with DAJ, Never Had A Love Like This, More Spirit and Testimony, the title track.

Craig C gloats when he sees people turn their lives over to Christ. He said his mission is to "bring the word of God to people and try and get as many saved as possible before God comes back. I want to be a good role model to the youths by making your words match up to your actions".

The Ardenne High graduate now attends the University of the West Indies, where he is studying Business Management.

He said he believes his future is in the hands of the Lord and will make no prediction about where his music career will take him. One thing he hopes he will accomplish is to inspire the secular world by wooing them to serve the Lord. "Music is power. It is also the popular music in Jamaica. New time now, reggae carry di ting. Why not use it as a vehicle to bring the gospel?" he said of fusing of reggae and gospel music.

And as for partying, he said he prefers hanging out with other Christians or playing video games at home. "You don't need to go anywhere else if you can find good clean fun in Christendom," Craig C said.