5 Iconic Jamaican Gospel Artistes You Should Know

If you grew up in a Jamaican household, you’ll know that gospel music, on full blast, is a must every Sunday morning. Especially if you’re being raised by Jamaican women, you’ll want to rise early or you’ll be suddenly anointed with the “spirit” of Christian music bellowing through speakers as your mom or grandmother does her Sunday morning chores.

Gospel music is like soul food for Jamaicans of the Christian faith and there are iconic gospel stars that every Jamaican will know because their songs feature prominently on our Sunday morning playlist.

Here is a list of 5 iconic Jamaican gospel artistes you should know:

1.Grace Thrillers

They are actually a Gospel group founded by evangelist Noel Willis with his wife Shirley who was the lead singer up until their divorce in 2004.
Sunday mornings are always blessed with the melodious sounds of Grace Thrillers who were popular for songs like, “Can’t Even Walk”, “Holy Ghost Power” and “Not My Will”.

2. Joan Flemmings
If your soul has been filled through the ministry of gospel songs like, “Right Place”, “Dreams to Remember” and “When the Devil Says No”, you’ve been blessed by gospel minister Joan Flemmings. She has been singing in the church since she was a petite, eight-year choir member and to this day, commits to restoring the faith of Christians through her music ministry.

3. Sister Scully
The Jamaican Christian community was rocked with sorrow when news of the death of Sister Scully circulated in 2015. Scully, popularly known to present a fiery, Southern gospel performance, is remembered for hits such as “Hurry Up”, “He Rolled the Sea Away, “No Other Blood” and “Hard Road to Travel”. After listening to a Sister Scully set you are certainly ready for the hottest battles because you are assured that the sweetest victory awaits.

4. Royal Routes
This seventh – day Adventist singing group have been credited for influencing the glorious Christian walk of many Jamaicans. With songs like, “I’ve Got to beDreaming”, “Thank You Lord” and “God is Good to Me”, the group shot to prominence in the 1980s and was led by lead singer Everet Dyce. The two men in the group were victims of the largest Poliomyelitis outbreak in Jamaica in 1982.

5. Kukudoo
You’ll hear songs like, “Thank you Jesus” and “King David” playing incessantly at nigh nights and even during a Christian funeral procession to ward away uninvited, evil spirits. Those are songs by revivalist singer Kukudoo, whose given name is David McDermott. He is loved by many Christian Jamaicans for his lively, culturally-specific lyrics about the Christian walk. Even to this day, you may hear one or more of his songs being played by the deejay during the gospel segment at popular Dancehall street sessions.

Music, especially gospel music, is a powerful and relevant ministry for Christian Jamaicans. As the Jamaican lifestyle changes on the island, so do the rhythm and lyrics of popular gospel songs. After all, what’s the purpose of gospel music if we aren’t winning and retaining souls for Christ?

Who’s your favourite Jamaican gospel artiste? Tell us in the comments section below. While you’re at it, subscribe to listsja.com so that you’re the first to be notified when we publish a fresh list on your favourite topics.