As a boy, Derrick Scott was used to hearing his brother Freddie McKay’s hit songs on the radio. He dreamed of emulating his older sibling and kicked off his own music career in the late 1980s.

Three years ago, Scott fulfilled that ambition when his song God Answers Prayers topped the South Florida Reggae Chart. Produced by Willie Lindo, it speaks to the power of faith in God.

In August, the South Florida-based singer received a plaque from veteran broadcaster Clinton Lindsay to mark God Answers Prayers’ chart-topping achievement. Lindsay has compiled the chart for over 20 years.

“This is really special to me, because it’s my first number one song,” said Scott.

God Answers Prayers is done to the music of My Leader Born Yah (aka The Message), the 1976 song by Neville “Struggle” Martin that became an anthem for the socialist government of Prime Minister Michael Manley. That year, McKay won the Festival Song Competition with Dance dis Ya Festival.

McKay — who also scored with Picture on The Wall — and Scott are from Linstead, the market town which has produced numerous reggae stars including Phyllis Dillon, Joseph Hill of Culture and Tony Curtis.

Since becoming a Christian in the 1990s, Scott has released four gospel albums and numerous singles. On November 16, he will present the ninth Gospel Mission concert at Unity New Testament Church of God in Lauderdale Lakes.

Scott’s daughter, Kishna, singer Clifford Clarke and saxophonist Michael Woodstock will also perform at the event. They will be backed by the 10-piece Mission Band.

– Howard Campbell