Colourfully costumed Church on the Rock Praise Dancers had the attention of an appreciative audience at 'Fun in the Son' held at Hope Gardens last Saturday.

Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

There sun was absent at 'Fun In The Son' on Saturday, but who noticed?

Despite a persistent dark cloud that rolled over Hope Gardens, many gospel fans filed into the botanical garden to praise the Lord.

"A long time me a come a stage show and mi nuh si nutten sweet like tonight," Papa San admitted.

There is no certainty how many the showers kept away, but those who it did, missed the best gospel show in a very long time.

'Fun In The Son', a free gospel concert put on by Glory Music (Tommy Cowan), showcased some of Jamaica's best gospel talent and most came ready to deliver. It was no surprise that Carlene Davis and Papa San, went head to head for the performance of the night.

Good presentation

Carlene Davis - photos by Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

Davis' act resembled what seemed to be a made-for-television presentation. There was colour, great singing, dancing and ministering. Davis' accompaniment was grand and the sound even greater. From keyboard to percussion, the band came together for a top notch performance.

Papa San on the other hand was coming off an average performance from Genesis in January and seemed determined to prove why he is dubbed Jamaica's best gospel artiste.

San went into the archives for some of the songs that made him a star, while also giving a dose of his new songs. The artiste also engaged the masses in dancing and praising, going on for close to two hours.

By nightfall, it was hard to believe it rained earlier and by 11:00 p.m., there were no signs that the crowd had dissipated.

Top four performances

The crowd was not deterred by rain at 'Fun in the Son'.

Not that it was a competition, but if it were, Davis, Papa San, Prodigal Son and DJ Nicholas held the top four performances.

Prodigal's presence alone is enough to generate a frenzy, as he always seems to have the right words for his fans. Likewise, Nicholas' testimonies ignited conviction.

The Ryan Mark set was boosted with the introduction of his wife, Crissy D. The duo, who got married last month, has sung I Love You Lord together over and over before, but Saturday's time was different.

Ryan Mark's brother, Goddy Goddy, was also on the show. Clearly a prolific lyricist, he spent much of his time being an entertainer as opposed to a minister. Goddy Goddy still managed to drop a few good lines in.

This is not entirely true about Moses. The story of the redemption is extremely powerful, but has become too familiar, almost rehearsed. Still, Mo Mo, as he is called, got the vibes going.

Other major artistes on the show: Omari, Keron Ennis, Craig C, Mr. Gallimore, and Katalys. Guest speaker, Andrew Palau gave a timely, but lengthy exhortation.