DJ Nicholas at 'Exodus'. - Contributed

Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

In Biblical terms, Exodus refers to the departure of the Israelites from Egypt under Moses. Last Saturday at the Fellowship Tabernacle, Half-Way Tree Road, it was a slew of gospel artistes who tried to deliver a mass gathering out of bondage.

The occasion was the first staging of the gospel show 'Exodus: Movement of God's People'. The charge was led by Moses and DJ Nicholas, acting like the Aaron and Moses duo.

Unfortunately the show, much like the Israelites' ordeal, was not without some of the glitches that have become synonymous with gospel shows. It was one hour behind schedule and bad audio plagued most of the first half, leaving many wondering how much preparation had gone into the show.

But as soon as the major artistes started turning up, all was forgiven and the supporters were ready to get their praise on. This was not before a few upcoming artistes got the literal three minutes of fame on the stage. Artistes like J-Lee, JC, Kareem, Mr. Gallimore and Chosen Vessel all got a warm reception though many patrons were still on their way to the venue.

When MC Olecia Wedderburn announced who she called the "craziest female gospel artiste", those gathered at Fell Tab knew Judith Gayle was on her way to the stage. However, she was not quite ascrazy as she has been on previous shows. The little time she got was only good enough to provide some teasing. Despite the "we want more" chants, time just would not allow for that to happen. The crowd, however, got a little a cappella bonus during the band change.

Enjoyable set

This lady has a whale of a time at 'Party With The Stars'. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer - File

Gayle was followed by Ryan Mark, who had a set that was enjoyable. He managed to maintain the excitement and the crowd was really feeling songs such as God Have Mi Back, I Love You Lord and Alpha Omega.

Carlene Davis kept it real while addressing some of the nation's ills. She sang This Island Needs Jesus, among some of her other popular songs. Then it was time for what seemed like an old-time consecration service with Jermaine Edwards. With songs like Pass My Not and I Need Thee, his performance was mellow and uninterrupted by the human clock that reminded the artistes of their time.

Emotional as always, Prodigal delivered once again one the most touching performances of the night. Once again he diverted from what he rehearsed and went into the aura that surrounded the car park at the particular moment. Those on the ground could be seen doing nothing but offering up their worship.

It was an interesting situation to see who would close the show put on by both the remaining artistes, Moses and DJ Nicholas. It was DJ Nicholas who closed. Moses, as expected, had hype and had others singing along. It was, however, DJ Nicholas who came in and tied it all together. As late as he came on, 12:30 a.m., there were those who were still in the mood for his antics. He spoke in detail of the Israelites' journey and likened it to what Christians are facing today. His dancers added much drama and excitement to the show.