Despite not garnering the support from local FM radio for his music, gospel recording artiste Markev remains optimistic and continues to promote his work.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Friday he shared his frustration about the lack of support since he released his debut dancehall gospel single 15 years ago.

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced since releasing my first single in 2011 is recognition as an artiste. Over the years I’ve tried doing the necessary things to get my music out there; however, sometimes it feels as if none of these efforts are truly gaining traction,” said Markev, who thought about throwing in the towel on a few occasions.

“I’ve contemplated giving up music because there were seasons I felt as if I was not making any strides in the industry. I would spend money to get the songs done, and when they are released they don’t get played and the views or streams are extremely low. And to add to that, the support would be low. But what has kept me going is my service to God. This ministry is not mine and I had to realise that God didn’t give this gift to me to get popular or to get a million views or constant airplay. I’m here to serve the Kingdom. So, whether I have a million views or streams or not; if I get to perform on the big stages with the thousands or even 20 spectators, I’m here to serve the Kingdom. So, if God is willing to give me a big platform or not, it’s His will. This ministry is for Him, and that’s what has kept me doing music,” he continued.

Markev recently released Take Control, a song that features his long-time friend Javol Bailey, and the
Hill and Gully rhythm-infused Dweet and Pray.

He is hoping to get the support that he craves.

Born Mark Everton Williams, Markev grew up in Scott’s Pass, a community in Clarendon. He attended Holmwood Technical High School after relocating to Manchester to live with his father.

But it was his father’s love for music that inspired Markev to follow a musical path.

“My father is Michael Williams, and he started a group within the church called Together Brothers. My interest in music stemmed from me wanting to follow in his footsteps and I attempted to form a band of my own with a few of my church brothers, but those efforts failed and I decided to pursue a solo career when I released my debut single Step Inna Church which was produced by Lazarus,” Markev reflected.

Along the journey he has released songs, including Dat Wrong, Tek it Back, Proud Christian, Any and Anyhow, More of You, and his very first worship single Your Will Be Done.

Said Markev: “I am still doing mostly dancehall gospel. However, because I am also a singer, I recorded a worship song, Your Will Be Done, but I have not fully switched from dancehall gospel. It has been something that I have considered, as I notice more people resonate with my softer songs.”

He spoke about becoming a born-again Christian.

“I grew up in a Christian home and since a very young age I wanted to become a Christian. I gave my life to Christ when I was 10 years old, just because of what I saw around me, but as I grew older and more mature, and understood who Jesus is, what He did for me, and who I am in Him, the decision was easy to stay a Christian,” said Markev.

“When I became a Christian it was a ‘get out of hell’ free card for me, but as I grew and understood what it really meant to be a Christian, it was no longer me living to not go to hell, but living to be a faithful and dedicated servant of Jesus out of the love I have for Him. I grew up in a very traditional church and some beliefs I held, I no longer believe after studying the scripture. I’ve had church people ridicule me because of the choices I’ve made, as I don’t really follow church traditions that are not biblical. For example, I believe Christians can get tattoos — though I don’t have one — I pierced my ears, I don’t do ‘church clothes’, and there are so many non-traditional things that I have come to accept that I used to be against. With all the struggles I’ve gone through, the battles I’ve won, the times I’ve fallen short, and all the opportunities I had to turn down because of my decision to follow live holy, I would choose to follow Christ all over again if I could do it again,” he shared.

Markev currently worships between the Church of Christ in Old Harbour and the Lyssons Church of God of Prophecy in St Thomas.