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Jermaine Edwards' Destiny Review

Written by Shane Bennett

Monday, 09 November 2009

Jermaine Edwards Album Launch Review

The crowd reluctantly dispersed. He quickly closes the show and slips away; now family, friends and staff seemingly transform into worker ants getting things rolling, preparing to leave. He chats and thanks, hugs and hails, signs autographs and takes some quick photo ops; He's now the man of the hour.

Clad in full black he’s the exact opposite- all smiles! Jitters and anxiety once faced are now over. "I'm so anxious it’s not even funny you would think this is my first time but no matter how much time you have done it it’s still the same feeling". He’s calm, God got the glory and the night was a success. The man, known simply as Jermaine Edwards is now walking in his destiny!

T'was a night for Praise

On October 25 2009, Jermaine Edwards took a bold step, releasing his third and arguably most profound project to date entitled "Destiny". Skeptics, unsure as to the success of a Sunday night launch, were proven wrong as the Kingston Church of the Open Bible, was a literal family reunion. Scores across Jamaica's length and breadth filled the structure located at 108 –112 Washington Boulevard to support the anticipated event alluded to at this year's Genesis Festival. Members of the gospel fraternity, fans, friends, well wishers, music lovers and more came out in true form.

When the R.I.O.T. Team arrived at 7:54 p.m, though late, we were yet on time with noted Worship Team Perpetual Praise having already completed their set followed by two up and coming gospel acts one known as Liberator. MC’s, Nadine "Perpetually Praising" Blair and Omar "O.T." Trowers segued effortlessly into the starting of the event, punching lines of comedy, giveaways and promotions of Tye Tribbett Live to get the crowd in place.

Then...it was time.

Destiny Revealed

After thunderous applause to an excellent intro, Mr. Island Worship graced the stage. With controlled fervor, the crowd sang as the band/backup vocals flowed, setting the pace with the crowd favorite "Living for Jesus". Smoothly creating a paradox of easy listening and high pitched screams he ventured to "Nah Bow". Clad in loosely fitted jeans jacket, he wasn't without help. DJ Nicholas, to a standing ovation helped to worship and then "Lift Jesus Higher". The hand clapping-old time favorite remix displayed how easy it was for them to work together, having done several collaborative efforts.

The praise excelled as the album was now on show. With the premiere track- a funky, head bopping, congregation-approved easy-to-catch-chorus, explaining why "He's in control"- the worship leader feted the King, making way for high praise warfare declaring "I'm gonna take what the devil stole from me", grooving from pseudo-rock to reggae, ending with another chameleon-like song putting God as priority with "Jesus first"

Not Island Worship III

When the first praise set was complete, the singer/songwriter relayed that in writing his songs he asks, "God, what do you want me to say to your people?” commenting on how too many artists in mainstream are warped in masonry, that’s why his songs "haffi mek sense". In moving the audience with such a true message, the band was ready for round II with the smooth sailing social commentary simply called "Jesus", encouraging the listeners that He'll make it right on time. He decided then that his mission was to “Make you smile" as the well received single was crooned in earnestly.

Highlights of the launch included the reason behind the album title, why not Island Worship III as Minister Edwards spoke: "There should come a point in our Christian life where your biggest issue should not be flesh; If everyday, I'm trying to kill flesh how God gonna get the glory?... Flesh under our feet, that’s where it should be. We come Sunday after Sunday and we sing, Welcome into this place...and as soon as church is over we say ‘bye, Jesus... see you next week, same time!...’ Mi tired fi feel Him inna church, mi waan feel Him everyday. We CAN choose to go daily; we can choose our DESTINY in God!"

After the sermonette, a thought provoking melody with an inviting hook, "Holy Spirit walk with me, Holy Spirit live in me....Flesh must die, Spirit MUST be seen", heightened the conscience of every soul in the room, this gave easy access to the new worship track "Nothing else matters", showing the heart of what he does, the essence, the flavor, the one and only Jesus.

So deep was this commitment that he invited Thriller U, member of L.U.S.T to testify of God's saving grace on his life. After "thrilling" the audience with “Amazing Grace” and his testimony of God's goodness despite the death of his wife and daughter, Jermaine blatantly encouraged the mentorship of artists in the secular industry. “And I'm making a personal commitment to you, Thriller, that we ago ave Bible study at lest twice weekly once mi inna di island....Yuh see wen yuh talk to man like Ghost and Thriller U....dem WANT God!"

Destiny Fulfilled

Much of the night, was similar in style to the earlier proceedings, the launch , quite a success, allowed the audience to see the value of putting God first, and giving Him glory in all we do. Only when we do that will we find our destiny!

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