Sadeke Brooks, Gleaner Writer

Gospel artiste JAI performing at Jesus Party in Antigua on his recent Caribbean tour. - Contributed

Fresh off a Caribbean tour, gospel artiste JAI is already working on his second album.

The artiste, whose real name is Wayne Buchanan, made his full-length debut with Best Friends last year. Since then he has been occupied mostly with an extensive tour of islands such as St Martin, Antigua, St Kitts and Anguilla.

"It was awesome. Lives were changed. At the end of the event a lot of young people, mostly men, gave their lives to the Lord," JAI told The Gleaner.

Already booking me

"People are already booking me for shows next year. The gospel scene in Jamaica has watered down and there is not much entertainment for young people, so you have to go outside Jamaica to create waves."

Though his absence has been noticeable, JAI said he wants to do more things to make his presence felt here.

"I will be doing more promotion, doing more things in Jamaica to keep a presence. When you are not around people think you have disappeared, but sometimes you are just overseas creating waves," said JAI.

He has been in the studio recording songs for his second album, which he hopes to release next summer. "I want to record as many songs as possible so I can have a more structured and intense album," he said.

But with all the success of Best Friends, JAI still wants to improve the level of his work. He said he wants to gain the respect of the secular community.

"So many times you focus on just church events, but there is a broader audience. I want my music to reach the secular audience so when they hear me they are drawn to God," he told The Gleaner.