A movement of God's people at Exodus

Carleen Davis
It was a movement of mind, body and spirit at last Friday's staging of Exodus gospel concert held in the National Stadium parking lot.
The event featured a slew of local gospel acts including Prodigal Son, Carlene Davis, Moses, Shepherd and Ryan Mark, along with overseas-based act, Juniour Tucker and international r&b gospel artiste Kirk Franklin.

<<<<<< Ryan Mark

Despite the late start, patrons were in a jubilant mood and were more that ready to hear the first performance when emcees Nadine Blair and Nigel Wilkinson took the stage after 7:00 pm. Perpetual Praise and Chosen Vessel led them into a number of selections, reminding them that 'This is the day that the Lord has made'.

They were followed by veteran gospel singer Ziggy Soul who was marking his 30th anniversary and upcoming act Tina Tamera who performed her single I'm Good.Music was not the only form of ministry as the Praise Academy Dance Group also entertained, but, for the crowd, their one dance was just not enough.

Even while worshipping, the patrons were reminded of Jamaica's current crime situation and admonished to pray for the country. With Jamaican flags raised above head they joined Davis in singing This Island needs Jesus. Omari shared Davis' sentiments and upon taking the stage immediately following her exit, made his declaration which proceeded songs which made him popular in the gospel music fraternity.
"Young people when we come to an event like this, we don't come to entertain, a God we come fi glorify..too much crime a gwaan."

Kirk Franklin >>>>>

Former Gospel festival winner Kevin Downswell then took the crowd on a spiritual journey, leaving some in tears as he ministered. It was a soul-thrilling performance that touched the hearts of those in attendance. Shouts of Hallelujahs were heard resonating from all sections and hands were lifted high in submission as he led them to the throne of grace.The mood of the concert fluctuated from times of worship, praise and reflection with moments of dancing, clapping and hand raising. But when the self-styled gospel gangsta, Prodigal Son, entered centre stage a militant mood took over."Lock every gate because no demon not escaping out here tonight, because man mad fi Christ," he declared.

His Lava ground and This is a different war, set the crowd on fire. With flags swirling high in the air, they danced stomped and raged war on the devil. They showed their approval when he called his brother Jason Mighty on stage to collaborate on Ketch a Fire. The crowd was disappointed when he exited the stage and some echoed the view that he was brought on too early.

Their disappointment was short-lived, however, as singer Junior Tucker, who has been absent from the local stage for a long time, took the microphone and made his message heard and felt. The man with the vision for the event, Moses, succeeded him and brought the crowd down memory lane. He also used the opportunity to give a lengthy testimony of how he got saved and thanked the crowd for their support.

But as it neared midnight, patrons waited anxiously for a glimpse of Franklin who is known for his energetic performances. Casually attired in jeans and backed by local gospel singers, he spent the remaining hour and a half thrilling the patrons with some of his dance moves and hit songs which generated a frenzy in the masses. He even took the time to encourage those with low self-esteem and placed particular emphasis on the rebuilding of families.