World-famous as the bedrock of Rasta and roots-reggae, Trench Town has quietly built a solid gospel community in recent years. It has been the venue for several religious concerts, the latest being Trench Town Psalms which takes place on October 4.

Organised by Fitzroy “Dave Prime Time” Green, it is scheduled for the Praise City International Transformation Centre. Carlene Davis, Jon Williams, David Rushton, Kenroy Mullings and Poetess Erika, are some of the artistes on the show.

“Trench Town Psalms is an evening of instrumental music, singing, poetry and spiritual reflection. It is also the soft launch of my upcoming devotional book of the same name,” Green told Observer Online. “Both the event and the devotional draw on the faith, struggles, resilience and creative spirit of Trench Town.”

Fitzroy “Dave Prime Time” Green

Green is managing director at JaMIN Studio, a recording facility in Trench Town that provides training to aspiring musicians and engineers. Born in Trelawny, he came to the Kingston 13 area at age five.

Trench Town’s global appeal is built around acts like Bob Marley and The Wailers, The Wailing Souls and Rasta trailblazers like Mortimo Planno. In his youth, Green was exposed to that legacy and became a drummer who has played with acts such as Papa San, Luciano and Steel Pulse.

While roots-reggae and dancehall music are still favoured by area youth, gospel has found a home in Trench Town through events like Come Alive and Christmas Joy In The Bass.

“They (gospel events) have brought people together and created positive spaces for worship and encouragement. However, lasting transformation requires continued mentorship, training and community engagement,” said Green.

Dale Brown, Sister Sandy and Gregory Palmer will also perform at Trench Town Psalms.

Howard Campbell