By Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter 
Goddy Goddy (left) and Prodigal Son (right)
PRAYING AS part of preparation for a performance is common ground for both secular and Christian performers.
However, there are other elements to the warm-up. For some secular artistes, chanting and 'blazing the chalice' is a part of their pre-performance routine. However, that is uncharted waters for gospel artistes. Or, at least, it should be.
Gospel deejay Goddy Goddy says in preparation for a show, his prayers are coupled with fasting and reading of the Word.
Additionally, he points out that the proverbial, 'no rest for the wicked and the righteous need none' is not something he applies in his getting ready for a show.
"Get some rest; you don't need to be running around, so you need to be in an environment where you can get some rest," reasons Goddy Goddy.
Another offspring of reggae gospel, Prodigal Son, highlighted that in addition to his prayers he likes to slip into his closet when his time to minister draws nigh.
"For me personally, my time before me go pon stage mi lock away for the day and seek God face for what I must do on the night," he said.
NERVOUSNESS NOT A FACTOR
Whilst the prayers of others are coupled with other stuff, not so with veteran singer Leroy Smith, who was the lead male vocalist for the Grace Thrillers for 23 years before officially going solo early this year.
"Basically, all I do is pray about the engagement... I don't have to do anything extra special before I deliver. I don't do nothing to psych up myself," said Smith with confidence.
Additionally, Smith said that nervousness is not even a factor anymore when he has to perform.
"I would want to tell you that I have passed the stage where I get nervous before ministering. I normally tell myself once I hold a microphone I must deliver, because I am not alone," said Smith.
While experience seems to be the nervousness-nullifying factor for Smith, in the case of Prodigal it is his mindset, as he does not see himself as a mere performer.
"No. I am not nervous because I am not going to do a show, but sometimes you might be afraid to say a word (from God) that you got to say," reasoned Prodigal.
On the other hand, there are still gospel acts whose knees get a tad friendlier whenever a performance is on the horizon.
"There is always some kind of nervousness, but it's kind of funny, as you want to make sure that you do what God wants you to do," disclosed Robin from the dub poetry duo, Kevin and Robin.
As a means of combating nervousness and getting to that place where he is as calm and collected as a Sunday afternoon, Robin says he breathes systematically.
"I try to breathe and settle myself. Also, I don't like to talk a lot before I go on-stage. I want to be quiet and focus, so that the Lord can speak to my heart," he reasoned.
Goddy Goddy joined ranks with Robin, in declaring that he too gets sweaty palms when his hour to perform is only ticks away.
"I always a little (nervous), but as soon as me hit the stage it gone. That is good (being nervous), because it tells me that I am not relying on self," he said.
