Reggae Revolution: A report on the British gospel reggae scene

Sunday 1st August 1999

George Luke caught up with THE WATCHMAN, PURE SILK, TONY RICH, MARCIA PHINN and TENDAI.



Continued from page 2

Reggae Revolution: A report on the British gospel reggae scene

Following his conversion, Tendai says, "I thought I wouldn't be able to play reggae music anymore. But that didn't bother me -I would have been happy to give up reggae, if that was what God wanted." God, obviously, had other things in mind.

Tendai ministers mostly in churches. "I like to reach as many people as possible -especially non-Christians," he says, "because for the most part my songs are aimed at them." In the past he has worked with the Birmingham-based Shekinah sound system. Even in his day job, there's no getting away from church for him; he works for a Clapham-based company which supplies churches with candles, communion wine and other accessories.

Tendai is currently working on the follow-up to 'Exceedingly, Abundantly1, and is aiming to be finished by autumn. Most of his song lyrics come straight out of the Bible, but recently there's been an additional source of creative inspiration in his life: his new born-baby daughter. "Just looking at her, I can't help but praise the Lord for giving her to me."

REGGAE GOSPEL: THE FUTURE?

So, what does the future hold for this exciting music we call reggae gospel? The four acts we've looked at here are just the tip of the iceberg; there are loads more across the UK we could have written about, such as the Brummie ragga DJ, Spanna (the tool in God's hands). Our final word (all 250 of them) comes from Tony Rich:

"I would say today, the most spiritually acclaimed music, where the gospel is concerned, is reggae. I can go back in history to show you where it's coming from. The foundation of reggae music is the drum and bass, and the drum was one of the first praise and worship instruments throughout the whole wide world, if we study Christianity. So I think it's very important, and I pray that the media and the people in the mainstream and at the head of the record companies realise that reggae gospel is an opening to turn around what is taking place in our society; to turn the youths around. Rap music takes its influence from reggae; so do R&B and jungle.

"Reggae is very important in our society. One of the greatest-selling albums of all time is Bob Marley's 'Legend'; it's been in the charts seven years and hasn't fallen out of the Top 100 - a lot of people don't know that. If you call Bob Marley's name in Iceland, people would know it, whereas if I said 'Tony Blair', 'Bill Clinton', or 'Margaret Thatcher', some people wouldn't. So the music is very important, and the vibrancy of reggae - which you can dance to and enhance your soul to bring it into one accord with the Lord - is very good. I think it's going to be a very well-listened-to music in the near future. It's going to take its place in society. And it has a right to. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
About George Luke
George Luke is a London-based journo who's been writing for Cross Rhythms since CR16 (when we called him George Duke).


 
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Reader Comments

Posted by Gary Dixon in London UK @ 02:58 on Oct 2 2015

Today is 1st October, 2015. As I go back in time and read this article I reminisce about the day in the church when my friend, Anthony Brightly was baptised! My wife (Iris, who sang as part of lovers rock band - Revelation) and I have also returned to our Christian roots and have joined the ranks of UK reggae gospel artists. Lovers Rock being our preferred style was scarce! So we totally identify with the words of Anthony in this article. There is still a long way to go in establishing the relevance of reggae as a powerful vehicle for sharing the Gospel of Christ, but it is still happening. Iris released, "You Are My Ministry on iTunes 2012 and recently joined 12 other UK reggae artists on "The Tour Riddim" compilation CD. The first time that the premier gospel artists from UK have come together in this way. Live showcases are planned to take that 12 act package around the UK, Europe and the Caribbean. There are so many saved and un-saved souls who need to know and understand that the music you love was created by the Creator and it is He who gives the inspiration and talent. Reggae Gospel is a true expression of the reggae beat that has captured millions worldwide through Marley and others. As we who were once in that secular world, turn our talents over to Gods work, that is when people will begin to see that being a Christian is not all "thou shalt not" rules which they believe they can't embrace. The music and lyrical content helps them to draw near and see for themselves. That ultimately stimulates the changes in audience thinking that we have seen at our showcases. The Gospel is still being sung in reggae since this article and long may it continue to grow from strength to strength for the Glory of God!. Tony Rich - the banner is being carried high - RIP.



Posted by George in London @ 11:13 on Jul 5 2012

FUNERAL DATE FOR GOSPEL REGGAE SINGER TONY RICH ANNOUNCED

The funeral of gospel reggae singer Tony Rich will take place at the Roundwood Gospel Assembly Church, Roundwood Road, London NW10 9TT on July 6 at 10.30am.

It was on 5th June 2012, singer and songwriter Anthony Richards known to many by his stage name of Tony Rich and affectionately called Fatta by family and friends, passed away after several years of poor health. He died on the way to hospital following a decline in his condition.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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