Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Lewis

Lester Lewis' trendy and unconventional apparel and a typical voice set him apart from other gospel artistes of his time. It is, however, his pioneering gospel reggae style that has sealed him as an authentic Jamaican gospel singer.

"I am a traditionalist and the Jamaican feel comes out of naturally. I wasn't trying to change the beat; it was God's intention. God created the music for his pleasure and all of it belongs to him," he said.

His ministry includes his wife, Singing Rose, and son, Lestrado. Lewis said when he started out many years ago his mission was to bring souls to Christ and he is continuing steadfastly with that charge.

Winner Man

His career bloomed after he won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Song Competition in 1989 with Every Time I Read My Bible. The song was well received by Jamaicans and is still popular today. Lewis entered the competition again the following year with Winner Man, but was placed third.

However, Winner Man also became hit in Jamaica and abroad. International gospel artiste, Ron Kenoly, adopted the song, and Lewis' international appeal was widened.

Since then, Jamaicans have come to expect nothing but music with the local flavour from Lester Lewis. He said his ground-breaking style gave birth to other well-known gospel artistes such as Papa San and Prodigal Son, along with secular-turned-gospel producer, Danny Browne.

He is, however, not totally thrilled with what gospel reggae has become. All is not lost though, as the remedy is simple.

"I would first implore them to get into the word. It says, not by might nor by power but by the spirit of God," Lewis said.

He said people should not have to wonder what some artistes are singing about and that he has had impact on thousands of people without going overboard with his delivery. This is why he thinks artistes need to be more united in the cause.

Touch the souls

"This music is going in too many directions. Music wasn't created to save souls, but for the glory of God. Glorify God and he will touch the souls," Lewis said.

It is no secret that crime continues to be a hindrance in Jamaica, but Lewis believes gospel artistes can make a difference. As for young Jamaicans, women in particular, "people call dem Kentucky. All you see is breasts, hips and legs", Lewis lamented.

That is part of the reason his attire has always been stately, as he wants to "bring back the majesty in the world". After all, he has to set an example for his son.

"It has been great. His beat and lyrics are different. I like traveling and I get a lot of good feedback. I get to meet people who are up there. I enjoying singing with him," Lestrado said of his father.

Lewis started out wanting to change Jamaica and he has done that primarily with his style. There is, however, much more to be done. He is currently working with the God Deliverance Force (GDF) crusaders, planting churches to reach unbelievers.

He recently released an album, Emmanuel, to commemorate the Christmas season. Lewis' work was recently honoured with an Annual Leader Award by the regional International Third World Leader Association in Trinidad. This is all a part of the master plan to enhance the Kingdom of God.

"My goal is to bring God's kingdom to the nations of the world starting in Jamaica," Lewis said.

Lester Lewis (left), Singing Rose (centre) and Lestrado. - Contributed