Tanya Batson, Staff ReporterThe fact that several entertainers have made the transition to gospel has been striking, and there are varying degrees of controversy as persons continue to debate whether dancehall and gospel should be mixed.
Either way, it appears that this mass exodus of entertainers over to the side of the Lord has made the area of Christian entertainment more dynamic.
It, therefore, begs the question, are churches fostering the talent of the young?
The answer appears to be a resounding yes.
Two factors attest to this. First is the fact that several churches create different troupes and groups which cater to using such talent to praise the Lord.
Bethel Baptist is one of these churches. Lola Bailey, the church's administrator, states that once the youngsters express interest in an area they are encouraged to pursue it.
She noted, however, that due to the hours devoted to practice, the person would also have to be dedicated.
Ms. Bailey states that Bethel has several groups which integrate different talents into the worship process. She notes that two of the church's choirs are dedicated to those under age 21.
Additionally, the church also boasts a dance troupe, a drama group and an ensemble, which uses different instruments, for example the saxophone, keyboards and recorder.
National level
The young members at Bethel also get to display their talent at the national level through the youth rallies put on by the joint Baptists churches.
On the international scene, at least, there are many tales floating around of megastars who started singing in the church.
However, gone are the days when only singing and the organ were allowed into the hallowed sanctuary. Many churches now make it their duty to foster talent in their young members - all with the aim of using it to praise the Lord, or course.
The Sunday Gleaner spoke with several young persons who had their first talent exposure in the church. In fact, some of these youngsters only perform at church.
Fourteen year-old Kemar Lee, a student at Jamaica College, first began singing in his church, The Valley Christian Ministry International. While he is now a member of the Jamaica College chapel choir, his only other performances are with his church.
Tanel Panton is another young man who focuses his talent on God. This first form student of Excelsior High School is very happy to use his talent, singing, to praise the Lord.
Most of his singing is performed at the Berean Church of God in Kencot, where he first took to the stage at only four years old. Since then, Tanel has performed all over the island.
Honing talent
This is not only true for the very young however.
Marcus Golding, a student at the University of Technology (UTech), also displays his skills on the drums at church. He plays the trap set, the bongo, congo, jembe and kete drums. He is, however, not formally trained.
"I guess you'd say it's raw talent," he states.
Marcus' father bought him his first drum set when he was only six years old, which spurred his love for music.
"I've just been fooling around with drums since," he states. Most of his performances have come through the church, although he has also played with his older brother, who is a professional percussionist.
Alysia Moulton has also had her talents fostered through her involvement with the church. A member of the Family Church on the Rock, Alysia is at present a presenter and producer on CVM television.
She also dances with her church. It is her belief that the only reason she can dance is because what people see in her dancing is a reflection of Jesus.
Her reason for believing this is that before being baptised and starting to dance with her church's dance ministry, she was very bad at the art.
Ms. Moulton's talents as a producer and presenter were also encouraged by her church. She notes that the career path was first encouraged by her youth pastor, Che Cowan.
It appears that churches have become a very fertile breeding ground for talent. They have also taken this talent and continue to use it in worship.
