THE reception for the inaugural staging of the Kingston Jerk & Gospel Music Festival at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, St Andrew, was such that the event — with the proper permissions — had to be extended for an hour past its 10:00 pm deadline on National Heroes’ Day.

“For the first staging of the festival, we were overwhelmed by the support,” Shanelle Bethune, marketing director — Chozenn Media Group Ltd, told Jamaica Observer.

The combination of food and music went over well the large crowd, as there was plenty to do throughout the day. In the early goings, items like the celebrity grill-off, eventually won by dancehall star Mr Lexx, kept everyone’s attention.

“We wanted to bring a different flavour to these types of events and we hoped the fusion would expand the appeal beyond the market for each,” said Bethune.

The success of Kingston Jerk & Gospel Music Festival has buoyed the Chozenn Media Group’s plans for more gospel entertainment offerings in the Kingston/St Andrew area.

“We have been encouraged to have something before next year,” she added.

The festival delivered with a line-up divided in two, as fans were given an early taste of the gospel artistes in the afternoon. By late evening, the concert was in full swing.

Already filled with gospel heavyweights such as Jodian Pantry, Chozenn, Omari, Positive and Jermaine Edwards, there was little doubting the quality of the performances. But the major take away from the concert was the vibrant diverse styles that make up the gospel music scene.

St Matthew brought a dancehall vibe criticising the scene using its own lyrical format, while Sean Lypher’s hit Hard and Done provided a more contemporary musical tone. Katalys Krew, other than their spiritual-themed lyrics, rivalled any non-secular band with their easy-going reggae beats.

As with several others before him, Chozenn took to the stage bringing on his crew but eventually switching his set to that of ministering to the audience, all of which was well received.

— Rory Daley