Gospel reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica, mixing reggae rhythms with Christian-themed lyrics.

Several reggae artists, many of whom were previously part of the Rastafari movement, have converted to Christianity and adopted gospel reggae as their primary style. Examples include Tommy Cowan, Carlene Davis, Nora Dean, Papa San, Sherwin Gardner, Sanchez, Lieutenant Stitchie and Kerron Ennis.[1][2][3] Other major artists in the genre include Christafari.[4] Lester Lewis has been described as a pioneer of gospel reggae, having won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Gospel Song Competition in 1989 with "Every Time I Read My Bible".[5][6]

The popularity of gospel reggae has been seen as a sign that reggae has taken broader hold in Jamaica, having previously been strongly identified with the Rastafarian community. Popular gospel reggae DJs include DJ Proclaima from the UK. He has specialised in the genre for over two decades, reaching millions of people worldwide.[7]

References

  1. ^ Reid, Tyrone S. (2007) "Tommy and Carlene: A Gospel Affair[permanent dead link]", Sunday Observer, September 2, 2007, retrieved July 7, 2011
  2. ^ Dawes, Mark (2003) "Stitchie Singing a new tune Archived 2012-10-08 at the Wayback Machine", Jamaica Gleaner, June 10, 2003, retrieved July 7, 2011
  3. ^ Moskowitz, David V. (2006) Caribbean Popular Music: an Encyclopedia of Reggae, Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, and Dancehall, Greenwood Press, ISBN 0-313-33158-8, p. 261
  4. ^ Evans Price, Deborah (2003) "Christafari's Atypical Attraction", Billboard, June 28, 2003, p. 24, retrieved July 7, 2011
  5. ^ Jebbinson, Andre (2006) "Lester Lewis pioneer of gospel reggae style", Jamaica Gleaner, December 15, 2006, retrieved July 8, 2011
  6. ^ Horton, Chad (May 26, 2012). "Rapzilla.com Interviews Papa San & Tyshane Thompson (Son) Live" (Web). Rapzilla. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
  7. ^ Edmonds, Ennis Barrington & Gonzalez, Michelle A. (2010) Caribbean Religious History: An Introduction, New York University Press, ISBN 978-0-8147-2235-0, p. 212
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