Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer
Wayne 'JAI' Buchanan

Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Christian and other deserving believers aim to reach the much-prophesied streets of gold behind heaven's pearly gates.

While their status will not be measured by the assets accumulated in the world, some have decided to experience a little heaven on earth. All this will one day be exchanged for something far greater.

The lifestyles of Jamaican gospel artistes are not as lavish as secular artistes.

For Calvin 'Prodigal Son' Whilby, the streets of his inner-city community were rough.

"It was strictly about extortion. I had money in my pocket, gun on my waist and shortie in my hand," Prodigal said. "I didn't decide to turn my life around. It was just getting too much and I couldn't deal with it anymore."

He said the respect and financial compensation that he and others artistes of his calibre deserve is non-existent. International gospel stars, Donnie McClurkin and Kirk Franklyn, easily command the same money as any of the top R&B artiste, but not so in Jamaica.

"If it were for financial gain I wouldn't be doing gospel music. I am a Christian first and then I am an artiste. This is why I keep doing it," Prodigal said. Prodigal said he has three children, a wife and other family members for which to provide.

A different story

It is, however, a different story for Kassim 'Moses' Grant. He and Prodigal both command around $75,00 to $150,000 depending on where they perform in Jamaica and between US$4000 and US$6000 overseas.

However, Moses, who is single, said he was content with what he made.

"I am being paid well. I don't really have any complaints. Christendom is a humble set of people and I have to be careful about looking greedy," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

Perhaps the conditions would have been different if only gospel music had more supporters. The venues are oftentimes filled, but at a lesser cost.

Wayne 'JAI' Buchanan was once a member of Katalys Krew and is now working hard at his solo career. He said promoters frequently want him to perform for little or nothing as "salvation is free".

At the same time, however, he said the aim should not be to be able to live like the secular artistes. "If is it someone aim to come into the business and live off it, it is not going to happen. We are here to finance the Kingdom," JAI said.

Moses said his life is a comfortable one which allows him to take care of his bills. Prodigal said, though, that 60 per cent of what he makes goes back to his band and another 10 per cent to tithes. The remaining amount goes to his personal activities. He may drive a BMW motor car, but said it is a gift from a pastor in New York.

In fact, JAI also said much of what he had had come from the blessings of others. It is all a part of the philosophy that God will take care of them if they take care of the flock.

Cleve 'Stitchie' Laing has witnessed both sides of the equation.

"A little with God is better than plenty with the wicked. As long as you live according to his will, you will be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out her roots by the river," he said.