Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer
Left: Junior Tucker preaching at the Fun in the Son concert at Hope Gardens on Saturday. Right: Papa San delivering an outstanding set at the event. - PHOTOS BY ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
ALTHOUGH DJ Nicholas was not struck down on the Damascus Road, he was given a new name on Saturday like many Christians of old. The artiste is no longer to be called DJ Nicholas, but henceforth from Fun in the Son, is to be called Minister Nicholas.
The order of minister was conferred on Nicholas during his performance at the concert at Hope Gardens, Old Hope Road. One member of the audience described it as an "anointed, power-packed performance."
"God is good and God know how fi set we up, we cannot fathom the mind of God for I never know that was to happen," Minister Nicholas Eccleston said of his impromptu ordination. The young revolutionary believes God has given him new responsibilities and says he trusts the Lord to guide him. "If him gi me a calling, im gi me de grace and de strength to fulfil the calling," he told The Gleaner. The ordination was performed by Bishops Peter Morgan and Everton Thomas.
Fun in the Son, held over several days, culminated in a grand fun day and concert. The concert, which began in the early afternoon featured many of the top gospel acts.
'SON VILLAGE'
Hope Gardens was transformed into the 'Son Village' for the day's events with many booths, games and a children's village. The booths ranged from food stalls to spaces for financial institutions, bookshops and craft items. It was a family affair as persons brought their children for a day of clean fun. Many, however, failed to secure their children, as well into the night there were numerous announcements for lost children.
The grounds were almost packed through the day, and the numbers almost doubled by evening with hundreds more people strolling in after the sun had set for the free concert.
With Nadine Blair and Markland Edwards as the MCs the performances began, with most of them turning out to be excellent. Most performers as they ministered used the event to share their testimonies. Goddy Goddy spoke of his recent operation, dedicating his performance to the Lord.
"De doctor say if me come through de operation me face a go deformed," he told the crowd. "Look pon me good," he continued showing he was in good health; from here, he proceeded to do his victory dance which looked more like a version of the ska. He also had advice for women to flee fornication, "no wed, no bed."
Carlene Davis' performance included drummers and a group of energetic dancers. As on previous occasions, she declared herself and the group, ambassadors for Christ, as she performed Try Jah Love and This Island Needs Jesus. Many rags waved, soca style, while the backup singers 'Willy Bounced'.
'STITCHES'
Stitchie had the crowd in 'stitches' with his clever lyrics and story about 'Sister Mary'. The reformed artiste also gave his testimony, but was cut short when the lights went off on stage. After five minutes and chants of 'Alleluia', and 'No weapon', the microphones came on along with the lights a few minutes later. The deejay then went on to perform Real Life Story, before ending with Fast an Pray, his prayer for unsaved artistes.
If the screams and shouts were any premonition of the energy Papa San's performance would command, the crowd was on the ball. Having been missing in action in Jamaica for awhile, the crowd was eager to hear the artiste. After delivering many of his popular songs, Papa San slowed the pace temporarily for Jesus Mek me Smile Again, which he declared was his testimony.
An exceptional evening, Fun in the Son managed to maintain the success of previous years. Other performers on the programme included Christopher Martin, Kerron Ennis, Prodigy, JAI, Manifest Sons of God, a rap group from Florida and Minister Junior Tucker.
