UNTIL recently, one would have said that their favourite Prodigal Son album was Still Standing — his radical two-disc gospel album that was released a few years ago.

On that album, Prodigal, who’s real name is Calvin Whilby, made several strides in the gospel arena, bonding different genres of music with a strong traditional grove and lots of excitement.

However, things got a bit quiet and now he has returned with his latest offering Half Way There.

Launched in November 2010, the album is truly designed to rekindle with fans who may have been detached due to his personal circumstances in recent years.

Half Way There certainly sees Prodigal back in the business of making cutting edge gospel music; and as he puts it, this album is God’s gift to him. He also added that based on sales and the feedback garnered from fans, this album is his best thus far.

It’s certainly been a tall and telling journey for the man whose contemporary approach to gospel reggae has made the gospel industry, both local and international, appealing to those who are not religiously inclined.

But what else has he been up to other than the release of his new album? Whilby explained that he has remained business oriented with his company Radikal Yawd, which he has been using to make an impact on his music career.

During his one-on-one with TEENage he also stated that he believes that gospel reggae is now being accepted by the conventional, as the music is up to date and people can relate to the lyrics just as they do with mainstream music.

This radical prodigy dares to be fresh. With a new album, a LIME ambassador deal and a company under his belt, he is unquestionably on the road to great success. In closing he shared, “I want to be remembered as a real man of God, who his known as a prolific songwriter.”

Keep up with Prodigal Son this year as TEENage expect big things from him. Also look out for his charity event Freedom Fest in June.

— Chavon Panton