Emerging Trini gospel artist Clevon Smith has been getting a lot of attention of late, especially since he shared his single, Rise Again. The powerful slow groove is a fuse of Jamaican dancehall and American hip-hop, both working together as a base on which Smith‘s strong vocals lay.

The entire song is a prayer. “Hold my head oh Lord, as I trod up on this road – please walk beside me, I can’t walk this path alone.” The preceding are words taken from Rise Again.  

According to Clevon, the song was inspired by events he saw and experienced throughout, and even after the pandemic. Many persons close to him were seriously affected by the virus. He lost two very good friends whose deaths brought back memories of his deceased sister, grandfather and uncle. On top of that, His wife, daughter and sister all caught the delta variant, which resulted in the family being quarantined and having to deal with all the complications that went along with that. 

Rise Again was released in early March. The video went live on the 8th and the audio became available on digital music stores the following day: on the 9th. The official video is just as compelling as the track. Shot and edited by David Allen Photography, the clip has a very pronounced cinematic look and style.

When asked what he would like listeners to take away from the song, Clevon Smith said: “Would want them to be encouraged and blessed and know that no matter what life may bring their way they can rise again; could be at their lowest point, never give up because they can rise again.”

DOWNLOAD “RISE AGAIN”

Daniel Ojo, the Nigeria born Canada based gospel artist, has just released his new album: Trust. The eight-track project went live on all digital streaming platforms on April 29 via his own label, Psalmist Records.

Some very prominent artists are featured on the album, namely: Benita Jones, Leah Samuels, Joe Mettle, Christiana Washington, Kimberly Ade, Michael Manhertz, Jennifer Lewin and Kiara Patrice.

Click here to stream and download Trust from your preferred digital music store.

Gospel JA FM, the Jamaican Christian radio station that is dedicated to playing 98% Jamaican gospel music, will be having their 2022 Gospel Reload concert on Friday, May 6th at the Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre – 104 Waltham Park Rd – in Kingston.

The lineup for this year includes Lubert Levy, Dyshane Smith, Petra Kaye, Rhoda Isabella, Sherene Palmer and Ryan Davis. Entrance fee on the day of the event will be $2,500 JMD; and for those unable to attend in-person, virtual tickets are $12 USD.