Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Shepherd performs at 'Musical Bliss', held at Covenant Moravian Church, 127 Molynes Road, St. Andrew, on October 14. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Like a shepherd gently guides his sheep home, Horace 'Shepherd' Hall wants to lead souls to Christ. That was not his intention 13 years ago when he first started singing, but he has now managed to claw his way from a wayward past to one of promise.

This shepherd started out imitating his favourite secular DJs. Like any other teenager trying to make a name he lingered with the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Josey Wales, waiting for his turn. Shepherd often sang with sound systems in his community until he became the heart and soul of Ghetto Roots.

Things changed once he started going to church. "I decided I was done with all this and I never intended to do music as a Christian," he said.

Little did he know that his purpose would find him. His church was holding auditions for an upcoming play and Shepherd decided to audition for the role of a DJ. He got the part and the reviews were great, his brethren encouraging him to pursue his musical talent.

"I was singing at concerts all over and my friend told me that I need a name that has to do with leading people. That where 'Shepherd' came from," he said.

Papa San introduced Shepherd to producer Danny Browne and the two immediately started working together. The first project included tracks on the gospel album, Yow 3. Shepherd also met his mentor Radikal Prodigal at that time.

He has employed much of what he witnessed growing up in his singing. In Who Me, Shepherd speaks about Christians who are in church wondering what Pick 3 numbers were played. He said while this song is on the humorous side, it speaks to Christians who are guilty of gambling.

Shepherd intends to take gospel to those who would not normally go to church. At the same time he is begging for support. "Christians don't realise that we have left our jobs to do this. Sometime they want everything to be for charity. They are not recognising how powerful what we are doing is," Shepherd said.

He also wants to take his testimony and make it an inspiration for students at his church's children's ministry. He left Jamaica College prematurely but went on to get a diploma from the Jamaica General Automotive School.

He has appeared on all the major gospel shows locally, along with some in other Caribbean territories.

"I am not one of those who will get behind a podium a preach, but I will minister through my music," he said.