Mavis Reeves believes that even she has a market. - Contributed

André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

MAVIS REEVES was once a security guard, but now she stands watch at the gates of heaven, inviting others to come in. She has been standing at the gate since she was 13 years old, but began sending out the call in 1996, when her music career started.

"I was always going around singing. The Lord inspired me to start putting the words into song," Reeves said about how she began to sing professionally.

Reeves is from May Pen, Clarendon, and with much encouragement from family and friends, she entered the gospel business. It was a recommendation to see musician Sam Wisdom that gave Reeves the push she needed. She worked with Wisdom for her first album, Mavis Reeves.

She entered the business around the time gospel reggae was becoming more popular and her traditional style seemed to have been in jeopardy, particularly among the younger generation. Still, there were those who loved her music. That love provided much confidence for her second album, Home In Glory Land.

Sticking it out

"People were just asking me if I am going to do another album, so I had to do another one," Reeves said.

Since 1996, however, gospel reggae has become more dominant and the most popular gospel artistes mostly resemble persons in their 20s. One thing Reeves has learnt, though, is that no matter how minute the market is, there will always be those who patronise her and her product.

"Everything has its market and it's up to you to go out and find it," she said.

Finding the market has not been the easiest thing; nor has it been easy finding performing gigs. Instead, she frequents conventions and smaller gatherings. She is a patient woman of God.

"I am not frustrated at all. You can't be frustrated when you are doing the things of the Lord. The Lord will work it out one day," she said. "I just have to keep praying about it. It looks like it's not my time as yet, but it will happen."

After a failed marriage, Reeves became the provider for her three children. Though it is rough, she said her Saviour has been turning up when she needs Him most. Now working on her third album, Cast Your Care, Reeves is looking for as much promotion as she can get. With that said, though, she added that it is less about her and more about the message she wants to deliver.

"I am praying and I hope the music will reach further to people here and abroad," Reeves said.