King David readies to rule
KING David, the latest musical by Father Ho Lung and Friends, had its media launch at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew, on Tuesday. The occasion saw several cast members, sponsors, and volunteers in attendance. Father Richard Ho Lung said he was encouraged by the level of support. “It’s just amazing how sponsors have come forward in these very difficult times.
The spirit of Jamaica is just amazing … of wanting to see the country uplifted, especially our poor,” the 75-year-old Roman Catholic priest told the Jamaica Observer. Proceeds from the musical will go towards taking care of nearly 700 wards housed in institutions operated by Ho Lung’s Missionaries of the Poor.
The Catholic priest said even Rome has taken note of their efforts. “Pope Francis has written a letter to us saying we have received Pontifical elevation. This is the first in the English-speaking Caribbean that any community has been raised up to give witness to the world about what the Christian faith is all about, which is the service of other people, service of the poor, living a life that is self-sacrificing,” he told the Observer.
“A celebration of the Pontifical is scheduled for April 26 at the Holy Trinity Church in Kingston. There’ll be a lot of dancing, singing, music and praising God,” he said. King David, which stars Wynton Williams, chronicles the life of Biblical shepherd David who later became King of Israel.
The occasion also saw the premiere of the Andrew McGlone-made music video Rise Up. The single, produced by Rhythm Twins Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, features reggae singer Tarrus Riley and international recording artiste Shaggy. The single, written by Ho Lung, is part of King David.
“The production is going to be magnificent. The music is totally different,” said Ho Lung. King David is scheduled for the National Arena May 9-10 and May 16-17.
— Brian Bonitto