The equation of forming a successful band is simple – get good singers and good musicians together and have them bond over the art. This is in essence, a simple task, which is bound to be a success for a few months, before pride and a love for the limelight overtakes members and the divas start longing to be the sole star of the group.
In Jamaica, this is more often than we would like to admit, the truth. There is something within all Jamaicans that longs for praise even when undue. It is also within this mind set, which so many up and coming artistes and groups rise to fame, then disappear overnight. It begs the question – are Jamaicans incapable of working within group or do Jamaicans see success as achieving relative recognition from their peers and their friends?
With this in mind, I began to search for local groups, which were not receiving recognition. I came across several groups, which were ok, but just that, not great. Now bored with my findings, I was introduced to what I consider to be a form of new reggae gospel.
I came across this group of young people by accident, singing not from their throats, nor from the bottom of their bellies, but rather from a place much deeper than the average singer. In less than a few clicks of my mouse, I found myself instantly drawn to this group. I was sold; in all honesty it was quite easy as they ministered with the ease of a seasoned pastor.
To most Jamaicans, the name URIM7 would leave them wondering if it’s a new pharmaceutical product however, I assure you, it’s not a drug but a gospel group. The name URIM7 derives from the precious stones in Judaism urim and thummin. Urim translates from Hebrew to mean ‘light’, while thummin represents the number seven meaning ‘perfection’. Both stones are worn on garments of High Priests, indicating the presence of God – a befitting name for a group whose mission is to minister to people.
To continue reading , purchase Vol. 7 #10 2015 issue
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The equation of forming a successful band is simple – get good singers and good musicians together and have them bond over the art. This is in essence, a simple task, which is bound to be a success for a few months, before pride and a love for the limelight overtakes members and the divas start longing to be the sole star of the group.
In Jamaica, this is more often than we would like to admit, the truth. There is something within all Jamaicans that longs for praise even when undue. It is also within this mind set, which so many up and coming artistes and groups rise to fame, then disappear overnight. It begs the question – are Jamaicans incapable of working within group or do Jamaicans see success as achieving relative recognition from their peers and their friends?
With this in mind, I began to search for local groups, which were not receiving recognition. I came across several groups, which were ok, but just that, not great. Now bored with my findings, I was introduced to what I consider to be a form of new reggae gospel.
I came across this group of young people by accident, singing not from their throats, nor from the bottom of their bellies, but rather from a place much deeper than the average singer. In less than a few clicks of my mouse, I found myself instantly drawn to this group. I was sold; in all honesty it was quite easy as they ministered with the ease of a seasoned pastor.
To most Jamaicans, the name URIM7 would leave them wondering if it’s a new pharmaceutical product however, I assure you, it’s not a drug but a gospel group. The name URIM7 derives from the precious stones in Judaism urim and thummin. Urim translates from Hebrew to mean ‘light’, while thummin represents the number seven meaning ‘perfection’. Both stones are worn on garments of High Priests, indicating the presence of God – a befitting name for a group whose mission is to minister to people.
To continue reading , purchase Vol. 7 #10 2015 issue
Share this post: