The seventh Christmas Joy In The Bass took place on December 20 at Ambassador Theatre in Trench Town. Like previous stagings, the Joy Town Community Development Foundation event showcased performances and testimonies from mainly home-grown gospel acts.

A near full house enjoyed the Glory Music-produced show which started at 6:30 pm.

The Right Band, which backed the artistes, opened proceedings. They were followed by the Trench Town Talent Exposure, a thrilling segment that comprised performances from dancer Roneca, singers Jason Davidson, Pessoa, Treinelle Robinson, Life Well, Mikaela, and Written.

Mikaela’s performance of O Holy Night had the audience on their feet and earned an encore.

Dr Henley Morgan, founder of the Agency for Inner-City Renewal, praised Joy Town for its commitment to exposing home-grown talent.

There was also a tribute to Lorna Stanley, founder of the Operation Restoration Christian School (ORCS) in Trench Town, for her tireless work in the community.

Stanley was lauded by her former assistant, Fay Fisher, of the Unity of Faith Christian Church in Flint, Michigan, and Robert Dixon, principal of the ORCS.

There was an energetic set from Carey Sayles, who did O, Come Let us Adore Him; Blessed and Highly Favoured; Waymaker; Warrior Medley; and Sweet Medley Ska. He had the audience swaying and moving throughout his performance.

The six-member acapella group, Humble, maintained the momentum with a medley of Wings Of A Dove, Roll Jordan Roll, Suppose We Don’t Meet, and Walk Holy.

Carlene Davis was next and delivered a mixed set, including her classic Santa Claus Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto; Put Christ Back Into Christmas; The Assignment; We Don’t Need No More Trouble; and The Goodness of God.

Major Richard Cooke, founder of Joy Town Community Development Foundation, and Glory Music’s Tommy Cowan gave a tribute to the late Ziggy Soul for his contribution to empowering youth in Trench Town. The singer’s widow, Marlene Beckford, travelled from the United States to attend the event.

Alaine was a hit with her rendition of Boast Inna God, Hallelujah, This Christmas, and Bye Bye Bye. She also premièred her new single, Old Time Religion.

Pastor Marcus Williams, of New Life Open Bible Church in Denham Town, gave a sermon under the theme ‘Seek The Lord While He May Be Found’. He was followed by Kevin Downswell, who closed the show with typical flair.

The popular singer had the audience singing along to Grace, If It’s Not You, Carry Me, and the anthem Stronger. Downswell presented a MacBook Pro each to two young men from Trench Town.

— Howard Campbell