from the desk of Anthony Turner
Four of Dancehall’smost prominent superstars: Beenieman, Buju Banton, Busy Signal, and Bounty Killer, have lent their collective talents to the newly minted Street Gospel rhythm that creates mayhem in the gospel and dancehall circles. Singer Richie Stephens, credited as the producer of the riddim, said this is one of the most important projects of his 40-year career.
“To produce this impressive rhythm, to pull together some of the big singers in secular and gospel music, and then to work with the best talents in Dancehall is a major accomplishment that I don’t take lightly. I am on a roll musically at this stage of my career, and there is no stopping now,” Stephens told Caribbean Times.
The six-song gospel-inspired EP has been warmly received by music lovers globally. Singles from the project have already made inroads in the South Florida and Foundation Network NY charts, where the Nitty Kutchie & Buju Banton single ‘Lord I Thank You’ is currently the #1 song on the Foundation Radio Network Top 30 chart, while Richie/Kukudoo ‘Pray That Away’ sits at #10, and Kevin Downswell/Bounty Killer ‘Call Him’ is at #14.
Bounty Killer, who collaborated with gospel singer Kevin Downswell spoke passionately about the need for the Street Gospel EP at this time.
“There is a lot of confusion in Dancehall…The young kids may not realize what is happening, so we remind the world – not just Dancehall – that there is a true and living God.”
He spoke about taking the gospel to the streets.
“From me came into Dancehall me a try duh dancehall gospel, but we never incorporate Christians. The first gospel I sang was in 1994 (Before they seek God, they seek the devil, that is why their life is miserable…We grew up under the word of God. We always make gospel music, but Richard (Richie Stephens) wanted to juggle this time with several big heavyweights. He decided he wanted me to sing with Minister Downswell, and I said let’s send the devil down hell. I was very excited when he mentioned the idea because I love to sing about God. He mentioned the situation that we are going through recently with people starting to seek refuge in some other kingdom, whey a sey the Guzzo man and the guard ring…we have to remind them that the true almighty God is real,” he implored.
Singer Sanchez heaped praises on Richie, saying, “You are great. I call you every day and tell you that. I am happy to be a part of this project.” Singer Nitty Kutchie also raved about working with Richie and Buju Banton on the single ‘Lord I Thank You.’
The project has received positive endorsements from music insiders, including Florida-based Clinton Lindsay, who said the EP could garner a reggae Grammy nomination this year if submitted.
“When I first heard that the project was in development, I thought Richie maybe was a bit too ambitious in getting these guys on board, especially Buju Banton,” Lindsay told Caribbean Times.
“However, when walking with God in your heart, everything is possible…I congratulate Richie on this accomplishment. This project truly deserves a Grammy nomination, and with the right marketing, it is possible,” he shared.
Richie confessed that he is encouraged by his success as a producer.
“Many people have contacted me privately to say they love the project. Some are encouraging me to keep going, and I plan to do that,” he shared.
The riddim, which includes singles Call Him; Lord I Thank You; Pray That Away, Obeahman, and He Lives, was released on the Pot of Gold/VPAL imprints. A medley video with all the artists was officially released at a private reception in Kingston recently.
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