Gospel recording artiste Johnmark Wiggan brought the metaphorical heat at his By Fire album launch held at Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College, in St Andrew, on Saturday night.

The 12-track set is his sophomore album and features collaborations from Jucal Dyer & The Genesis Praise Squad, Audia Spencer-Brown, Rondell Positive & The Gilead Collective, Prince Saj & Go Worship, DaJourney, and Alicia Taylor.

The auditorium was packed to capacity as hundreds came out to celebrate the Sterling Gospel Award winner’s latest project.

In keeping with the theme, there was a camp fire set up on stage, with background singers cosplaying as campers wrapped in blankets for a portion of the show.

Wiggan was supported by the slew of well-known gospel performers on the album, as well as Kevin Downswell, Ryan Mark, Genesis Praise Squad, Rian Davis, and Guyanese Samuel Midas.

There were a medley of songs done during Downswell’s set which saw the headliner and the other male guest performers rendering favourites like God Have Mi Back, Champion, and Already Done. Wiggan then kneeled down while Ryan Mark and his other brothers in Christ blessed him and the album.

The excitement roared as the night went on, with dancing, singing, and cheers with every note that was struck.

Wiggan opted for several outfit changes for different sections of the programme which added an extra layer of flair for the overall production. Some excited fans who had entered his Still Deh Yah open-verse challenge on social media also got a chance to freestyle on stage as Wiggan performed the popular song.

There was also an exhortation and altar call which preceded a tearful prayer session across the auditorium.

Although it was an album launch, many patrons agreed that it was a concert that they thoroughly enjoyed.

“This is one of the best concerts I have been to in years. It was so soulful, healing, and entertaining. God is so good, and I am so happy for Johnmark and his new album. I have been playing it since it dropped [on Friday] and I am just so blessed. Excellent production,” one woman told the Jamaica Observer.

A male patron shared the same sentiment. He was hoarse from screaming all evening, but the joy on his face was clear.

“I had the time of my life. There was nowhere in the world that I would have rather been tonight. Perfect showcase. No complaints at all. I wish John all the very best with this album,” he said.

Blending rich Caribbean rhythms with deeply personal storytelling, Wiggan’s music has steadily carved out a space that is both sonically compelling and spiritually resonant. The project builds on his signature sound while pushing into more vulnerable and reflective territory, capturing moments that many listeners will recognise but rarely articulate.

Johnmark Wiggan onstage at he launch event. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Fellow artistes Ryan Mark (second left) and Rondell Positive (right) pray for Johnmark Wiggan.

Fellow artistes Ryan Mark (second left) and Rondell Positive (right) pray for Johnmark Wiggan. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)