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JAI, Striving for the Prize!

Written by Novadene

Saturday, 15 November 2008

JAI sits down with PRAISERIOT.COM guest reporter, Novadene Miller

PRAISERIOT had the opportunity to talk with the musical feet, ripping the tracks. Fresh from what we may call a Golden moment on a dynamic trip from our Caribbean neighbors, in St Martin's.

Ok, so who is it we caught up with?Now known as J.A.I (Jesus and I).His birth name is Wayne Buchanan .It is interesting to note Wayne means “Wagon Maker” .PRAISERIOT took the time to feature a world changer not “wagonist” to gospel.

In an unassuming place, at God timing, or maybe not even his: a small church without the grand accompaniment of instruments, to an audience of mostly elderly people, totaling just eight, at a time when he was even afraid to open his eyes, in fear of seeing them and loosing his trail, he, JAI, was catapulted to his purpose. At the end of his offering, was amazed at the instant filling of the church with the young people screaming and prostrating before the Lord .He notes this experience was a defining moment which carved the years to come.

J.A.I expressed he desires not just to minister within the predefined walls of ministry, but he also has a zeal to create a difference, applying newness in his presentation and effect. He aspires to effect change in his community and one day build a youth centre which offers the opportunity to galvanize and nurture what he refers to as, “the possible talent of tomorrow”. In addition, he hope to be able to offer young people an opportunity to bridge the gaps of the gospel music industry, made known to him from his experiences and malpractices he has also seen played-out in front of him. All this, with an aim of providing training in management all for the purpose of fostering social development.

Best Friend', the title of J.A.I's debut solo project, was next on the agenda. Delving into the inspiration and motives for the way he did his album, He highlighted this debut project, was made not just to be a compilation of songs for popularity and collaborations for fame. Going on about his intentions he said the project was to “serve as a reflection of his journey with God”. “Love”, which he treasures, as a love song to the Lord, he said it was conceived after a time of pause in ministry for some months and questioning whether this, that is branching out on his own and furthering his ministry, whether it was truly for him. The track “I'm Not Ashamed”, J.A.I went on to tell us this song was written for a friend faced with a Crisis, while title track , “My Best Friend”, J.A.I emphasized “this song captures His anchor in God especially in the gaps of His life, Such as a father missing in action”.

J.A.I suggested, Jesus and I, has been subject to different responses and It is interesting his name without the punctuations JAI means victory in Hinduism, as well as it also represents , the old French for a jaybird and a slang for a gullible person in a new city. With clear passion, His countenance complimented his emphasis on desiring to minister to all and capture persons of other religious persuasions. Furthermore, J.A.I notes the response to his ministry is not always in line with his vision and goals. J.A.I gave a glimpse on the realities attached to his work.

J.A.I revealed life in the public eye is also attached to realities that could ruin his ministry.Such as dealing with women with alternative motives, challenges of denomination barriers.In addition to the struggle to be constantly dynamic and fresh. Furthermore to explore new channels of ministry in a very traditional society with established methods and practices.As well as the daility battles of life personally and the struggles encountered in working with people. Thereby striking a balance between the realities of his work and the vision of his ministry.

Moreover, he highlighted he is often restricted by the hall markers of the gospel and even his audience. As he is often defined as a singer but is capable of being a profound speaker, so keep posted on PRAISERIOT as he unfolds his many facets.

WINDOW TO THE WORLD

Ron Mitschies (Germany)
Question: Why did you choose to be a reggae artiste? What is the story behind it; what makes you different from the rest and what is your own personal message?

J.A.I response is to use the language of the time and anchored to the rock. He emphasizes was birthed into reggae music as Donnie Mclurkin was birthed in black American gospel and can thereby communicate that naturally and desires to use that for the glory of God.

His personal message is to encourage individuals to walk in their true calling, to not be hindered by traditions and denominational barriers, and to convey the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Clifford Marseille (France)
Question: There are controversies in the style of music used to worship God; do you sometimes face these situations?

He doesn't believe the tool of music is evil but how it is used determines the impact. He believes there is no one style but it's important to be true to who you are, not using reggae, to him will mean denying who he is as a Jamaican.

It is clear he is passionate about reggae but he signaled there are other genres to be broken-into; at deeper levels and other platforms to be tapped into. He emphasized, he desires to be relevant to the time but anchored to the rock.

J.A.I recognizes there is great potential and scope, especially in societies in which the gospel presentation is dead and gothic. Legendary artiste such as Bob Marley dominated international events, producing music at the highest level. He poses the question: How much more the 'channellers' of the gospel? He indicated a desire to master multiple spheres, such as universities, cultural events and challenged the sociological issue which plagues the society.

J.A.I's ministry has taken him internationally to Canada, Antigua, Grenada, Cayman, St Martin to mention a few, “But I definitely want to expand his global platform” he said. Furthermore he articulated, even though he is grateful for these events he, notes most of these events are Christian events and desires to cross all platforms and scope for Jesus Christ.

One can argue the gospel industry has many copy-cats and robotic gospel artistes, who turn out tunes on hype and emotional highs which lack depth, substance and the evidence of changed lives. J.A.I. pointed out gospel has not even exhausted its true potential. He highlighted for example, the manner in which the gospel is often communicated is not at its best, both pedagogically (way artise speak). J.A.I mapped out some of the stains of the gospel music industry. He notes the industry which should be the catalyst of change to lead people to the kingdom of God and restoration has also been marred by inconsistent lifestyle, traits of infidelity, perversion and lack of maintenance of the true standards of the kingdom. A lack of accountability coupled with the lack of submission to correction by the propellers of the gospel and abuse and exploitation of resources in production are some of the clear fall shorts of the practices engaged in the gospel music industry.

How will you end this race? Let's take the legacy of the footprints, and reflect on the trail of your life and see where you will end! If you're off track, your ride has been paid for with His blood.

PRAISERIOTERS you are not defeated by lack. Do not stop running the race!

Let the trials, shape you as you seek refuge in God hands. Let the fire do its work, as you hide in the palms and secret place of God. Just imagine how much we would have missed if he didn't pen these songs and gave up in the rough times. Let ministry, like the objective of J.A.I's album, be an expression not a performance.

Novadene Miller
Est-ce qu'il y a des questions?
Alguien tiene alguna pregunta?

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