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Press Launch
The well publicized and highly anticipated album launch for Kevin Downswell’s Close To You was realized on in May at the Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God in Halfway Tree. While the crowd trickled in, the Press Launch was well underway. Family, friends, well-wishers and various media houses were present to share in Mr. Downswell’s moment. CVM TV’s Alecia Moulton guided the launch.
After prayer Mrs. Marsha Downswell shared about her husband. There
were many light moments as she joked about him a lot – she even stated
that the album launch would not be a reality until they were married,
as she had spoken to God ‘One-a-way’. She also shared about his
struggles and victories. Praise was the main ingredient she pointed
out. There was a dance presentation by Christ’s Messengers to Kevin
Downswell’s “Come Back Home”.
Next it was time for endorsements, and nothing but good was said.
Allyson Beckford noted that Christians and gospel music can change the
Jamaican landscape. Andrew ‘Omari’ Edwards shared that Kevin was a
friend he always called on because of his honesty. Kevin’s mentor, Dr.
Henley Morgan chuckled that ‘wells go down and water comes up’. But the
biggest endorsement was next when Ryan Mortel came to the fore and
blessed the album. After Wendell Lawrence gave thanks to those who
worked on the album, Kevin then testified that the purpose of the album
is to give glory to God. He gave thanks for all the trials he went
through because they allowed him to give birth to this album.
Before the Press Launch concluded, Mr. Downswell fielded questions
from the audience and then went about to prepare for the launch of the
Album, Close To You.
Album Launch
We went from one launch into the next. The proceedings were about to be taken to the next level as members of Chosen Vessel and Perpetual Praise led out praise and worship. With praise songs like “This Is The Day” and Kurt Carr’s “Victory” you know this was no sit and clap worship. The church was overflowing with youth and exuberance, and worship was number one on the agenda.
Kevin Downswell had a few members of the gospel fraternity making special appearances. Judy Mowatt was first up and it was little time before she had everyone moving and grooving to her engaging voice and enchanting reggae beats. Lubert Levy followed and his three children with “Tek It By Force”. The harmony of the backup brought the house to its feet at the intro and Mr. Levy joined them and rocked the house with “Roll, Jordan, Roll”.
After Mr. Levy ‘rolled’ off the stage, the man of the hour walked on in a state of humility, opening with a prayer of victory. Kevin, who is known as one who is known as one who worships, opened his set with “Stand” and followed it up with “Shout”. Praises went up from within and without the four walls of the church. All seats up and down stairs were taken and so many had to stand. They never seemed to mind though as even those who had their seats wanted to sit.
The second segment saw Mr. Downswell opening with his winning entry in the JCDC 2004 Gospel Festival “Praise”. At the end of the song the unusual for album launches happened. With each individual holding their neighbour’s hand the congregation cried out unto the Lord. Let me tell you, it was almost like a tarrying service. Before the final segment Karen Taylor from the Potter’s House ministered with “Great Is Your Mercy” and “You Are My Hiding Place”. With time running out Omari, Kerron Ennis, JCee, Judith Gayle and Moses all came to the platform and performed a few lines from one of their songs. Mr. Downswell closed off with “Joy”, as if it was triumph and celebration.
It was really a full night. One of my main concerns though was the poor audio upstairs. Like many other events, this one started too late and ended way too late. Apart from that there were not many complaints. Like Mr. Downswell said in the Press Launch, at the end of the day God was glorified.
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Didn'...
Go Jamaica! And go, Kissoon! ...
