By Teino Evans, Staff Reporter 
Stitchie (left) and Providence (right)
THE SIGNS are clear. Gospel music is becoming more mainstream and may just be able to make significant inroads in the world of secular music.
In recent times Marvia Providence's Hear My Cry Oh God has become the number one choice for selectors in the dancehall, as the song seems to have a sizzling effect on patrons, especially when it is remixed with Elephant Man's Yuh Too Bad Mind on the same rhythm.
"It's actually a good thing that gospel music is able to compete side by side with mainstream secular music, as this can extend the far-reaching effects of God's word in the world and that is what is most important," partygoer Sherene Thomas explained.
Despite a few traditional-minded Christians critical of the prominence that her song has been getting in the dancehall, Providence says "I think we should just stop all this foolishness about church versus dancehall and come together."
COMPETING FOR TOP SPOTS
Stitchie's latest album, Kingdom Ambassador, has taken gospel music to a whole new level, as it is now competing heavily for top spots on secular charts around the world.
The music video for a single from his album, 'Fast And Pray' features several Dancehall artistes and has also received quite a lot of rotation on local cable stations, which usually carry secular videos.
According to Stitchie's publicist, Cornelius Brown, "the album is now in high rotation and is currently number one on the Netherlands Reggae chart and number three on the South Florida Reggae Chart."
The album, which was mastered by Michael Fuller (a music engineer who has worked with the likes of Gloria Estefan), has proved to be a phenomenon in its genre, as it has been breaking down barriers and crossing boundaries.
Kingdom Ambassador has become the genesis of a new day in the life of reggae gospel music. Released on the Drum and Bass label, the enhanced CD is now available in all Wall Mart and Best Buy stores across the U.S., this being a first for reggae gospel Music, Brown said. Tower Records, Transworld and Music Land also distribute the album.
ALBUM DOING WELL
Locally Kingdom Ambassador has also been doing well, as stores report that the album has been selling like hot bread.
"Even though the album launch wasn't hyped here as much (as in the US), sales have been going very well, excellent," said Graham Forte, manager of Music Mart in the Springs on Constant Spring Road.
According to Clive 'Stitchie' Laing, in light of his personal trials and mishaps this album has a very special place in his heart and he is overwhelmed with the success it has been having.
It had been four years since Stitchie had produced an album, as his publicist, Cornelius Brown recalled when he (Stitchie) was held up and robbed and the master copy for his then completed album stolen.
"It has really been some testing times for him, having to do the album all over again. It has been a time of growing for him and he even wrote two songs on his current album that were based on his experience," Brown pointed out.
According to Forte, gospel music overall is doing much better in recent times, as he recalled Marvia Providence's Shabach being the top seller for June. "It was the number one selling album for June, especially since Elephant's input on the same rhythm," Forte said.
Along with Stichie and Providence the music from quite a number of other gospel acts, including Prodigal Son, have slowly been edging its way into spaces usually reserved for secular music. It is clear that gospel music is becoming mainstream.
