Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer

Medikal in performance.

FALMOUTH, Trelawny:

Accomplished medical doctor Michael Godfrey has his sights sets on being an international reggae singer.

Known in industry circles by the stage name 'Medikal', Dr. Godfrey will soon be touring Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and The United States with Yellowman. He also has six original songs, one of which is creating waves in Japan.

A resident doctor at the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, Medikal has collaborated with popular singer Sasha on a single.

Admitting that there are challenges in balancing his emergent musical career with his love for medicine, the 37-year-old said it was difficult, as both were demanding and had even affected his social life, but he was coping.

His last public performance was at the recent Hague Agricultural Show, in Trelawny, where some of the island?s top acts were featured on the event?s annual stage show.

Medikal told The Sunday Gleaner that his singing career started at Linstead Baptist Church, in St. Catherine. His late mother, Vera Godfrey, nurtured his love for music and was a major influence.

"She gave me my first guitar when I was about seven or eight and that motivated me greatly," he said.

He said that at a later stage he was fascinated by the key-board and started playing that instrument. He modestly declared, "I play a little of both."

BACKGROUND

Medikal attended Rosemont All-Age and Charlemont High schools and studied medicine in Cuba. The artiste was once active in the Youth for Christ movement as well as his high school's Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) and said he was solidly rooted in the gospel.

"My background has always been gospel and I don?t see this as backsliding, as I am just expanding the music. I have never forgotten God. I see God in my life every day,? he said. "From I was child I heard that music is love and music is to edify, and therefore I will not be negative."

Medikal said his music would never glorify the gun, promote drug use or foster hatred towards anyone.

Medikal has 10 siblings, eight brothers and two sisters. His father, Lester, still resides in Linstead.

He has been married for 11 years to Daykelin and has a son, Michael, Jr.