Singer John Lee 'J-Lee' Walker. - 'I hope I will touch people with the word of God' - Contributed

André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

John Lee 'J-Lee' Walker was on the way to secular notoriety. His myspace.com hits were coming from all directions, complimenting him on the quality of his music. He was not shy to admit he was about to "buss out".

"Keep doing what you do, you make a very sweet sound, but I am sure you already know that," wrote Cherine Anderson on his page.

However that was over a year ago and, since then, things have changed drastically. He is no longer singing secular music, but has flipped the script to gospel music.

No regrets

"I didn't think it made sense to do something that in my spirit I know was wrong. I wasn't getting any spiritual benefit out of it," J-Lee said.

"I have absolutely no regrets. I am only sorry I didn't become a Christian sooner. There are so many things that I have missed out on and I wish others will realise that," he said.

He is still fairly new on the gospel circuit, having jumped aboard the gospel train only last September.

Considering the great company he is keeping in DJ Nicholas, one of Jamaica's leading gospel artistes, his place in the industry will soon be known.

Gospel supporters got a little taste of what J-Lee is capable last weekend at the 'Exodus: Movement Of God's People' concert.

The feedback was great and, according to J-Lee, it "did well for the mind".

He also sings back-up for DJ Nicholas.

"I had something going when I was doing secular music and it won't be hard to build on that. Right now I just have to stay focused," he said.

Promotion a problem

He thinks he will go far in the industry because of a sound he describes as "American".

Still, promotion remains a problem for him, but it is nothing that cannot be changed over time.

He understands that secular or gospel, it is going to take time to get where he wants to be.

He has approached gospel music with one simple intention.

"I hope I will touch people with the word of God. You will have people who don't want to read; I can just sing a song and preach the word to them," J-Lee said.