André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Terry-Ann Wedderburn, winner of the Gospel Star competition, which took place at the Maja Awards held at the Hilton Kingston hotel, in June. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Terry-Ann Wedder-burn's unusual voice may not emulate the traditional sound of gospel music, but she thinks her break out is imminent. So far, this year she has captured the first ever MAJA Gospel Star award and was featured on the annual Recharge concert.

"Music to me is a passion. It has blessed me long before I had the mike in my hands. It's a prophetic ministry, not in the 'doth saith the Lord' manner, but I can sing it to you," Wedderburn said.

The budding star started singing at 15 years old. She was first praise and worship leader at United Faith Evangelistic Ministry and two years later became one of four choir directors.

Jamaican gospel music has always been centred on the traditional sound of performers, such as, the Grace Thrillers or the more recent gospel reggae style, but Wedder-burn wants Jamaica to brace itself for something new. "I have a unique sound and people don't know what to do with me. People don't want to invest in me because they just don't know," she said.

However, she said the Lord had been good to her over the years and she was patiently waiting for what was in store, For her, it is essential to be "governed by the Lord" in the entertainment business. "I am a Christian and I love the Lord. Even if something looks right on the outside I have to check with him first," she said.

Getting quite a buzz

But, even if Jamaicans have not fully opened up to her jazz-meets-rhythm-and-blues style, Terry-Ann Wedderburn has been getting quite a buzz from many who have heard her sing.

At the MAJA awards earlier this year, Wedderburn's rendition of Ordinary Servant brought a whole new twist to the song. The euphoric applause and comments after the performance gave Wedderburn one of the biggest boosts in her career.

Wedderburn entered the Jamaican Cultural Development Commission National (JCDC) Gospel Song Competition in 2003, but only made it to the top 10. She kept going and told The Gleaner that her husband O-Mar had been her strength behind her over the years.

More inspiration

Her recent stint at Recharge 5 has brought on more inspiration. She got many phone calls after, but the one which made the most impact was from a young lady who said she wanted to be a part of Wedderburn's ministry. According to Wedderburn, that proved she was bound for greater things. "I see myself singing in the midst of kings and queens. I really believe I am destined for greatness," she said.

One comment that has dwelt with her came in 2003 at a JCDC elimination show in Mandeville. "Someone said to me that I am a whale trying to swim in a pond. That changed me," Wedderburn said.