Barbados Gospelfest 2023

Celebrating 30 Years!

MAY 21ST - 28TH

About Barbados Gospelfest

"Touching Lives Changing Nations”

The Barbados Gospelfest "Touching Lives Changing Nations” celebrating thirty years of excellence.

Barbados Gospelfest is the Caribbean’s Premier Christian Music & Arts Festival. It comprises several events generally held every year during the last full week of May. Our commitment to people has guaranteed growth and longevity, and a new opportunity to touch lives across communities.

Dedicated to Barbados, the Caribbean and the international community, Barbados Gospelfest maintains a standard of excellence second to none, and has become a vital festival fixture for the region at large. It is a high-quality festival, featuring top local, regional and international Gospel talent, while providing training and development opportunities for artistes.

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Artiste Ministers 2023

Each year the Barbados Gospelfest Executive seeks to maintain the high quality of the Festival by contracting top international, regional and local artistes as headliners for the Festival.

Tickets

Hymnspeak

Valid until May 23
BBD$45

Joseph Niles Legacy Concert

Valid until May 24
FREE

Laughter & Jazz

Valid until May 26
BBD$55
($65 at the Door)

SigniaGlobe Financial Artistes Development Workshop

Valid until May 27
FREE

Ultimate Gospel

Valid until May 27
BBD$55
($65 at the Door)

One Awesome Day

Valid until May 28
BBD$50
($60 at the Door)

Box Offices

THINGS GOSPEL STORES

  • Canary Lane Mall, Hincks Street, Bridgetown
  • Warrens (upstairs Massy), ST, Michael

TICKET NATION BOX OFFICES

  • C.S. Pharmacy - Broad Street
  • The Nation - Fontabelle
  • Starcom Network - River Road
  • NuLook - Roebuck Street
  • MPower - Skymall
  • Visual Oasis - Six Roads
  • Pawn Brokers - Black Rock
  • Jordan's Supermarket - Speightstown
Partners
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Chefette Restaurants Ltd.
Kromium Digital
Frosteez Ice Cream
SigniaGlobe Financial
Funhouse Visual Media
Life 97.5 FM
Courts (Barbados) Ltd.
BPWCCUL
Things Gospel
QSI
Emtage Electric Co. Ltd.
Wibisco
DB Productions Inc.
BGI Insurances Ltd.
Intelligent Lighting Barbados
Williams Equipment
Ticket Nation
Caribbean Gospel TV
Street Gospel Ministries

Partner With Us!

Our vision is to extend the benefits of partnering with Barbados Gospelfest to any corporate entity or organisation desirous of engaging with and supporting a National Festival that seeks to enhance our society, uplift our people and provide wholesome opportunities for the development of our youth.

Become A Partner

Contact Us

We, the Exectutive Committee of Barbados Gospelfest are committed to glorifying God and uplifting Barbados in the production of this annual event.

Get In Touch

Barbados Gospelfest Origin Story

Barbados Gospelfest was established in 1993 by what was then known as the Barbados Tourist Board. The festival was the brainchild of the then Minister of Tourism Wes Hall, now Rev. Wes Hall, and the first event was a joint production between the Barbados Tourist Board and Mr. Alvin Jones of the USA. The parties brought Dr. Bobby Jones of Bobby Jones Gospel on board and this arrangement gave the festival and Barbados exposure to the international Gospel community through its airing on Dr. Jones’ television programme on Black Entertainment Television (BET). 

From its inception top international Gospel artistes participated in the festival. These included, Dorothy Norwood, James Moore, Ben Tankard, Douglas Miller, and then emerging artistes Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin. 

In 1995 the responsibility for the production of the festival was passed on to the Gospelfest Organising Committee made up of persons from the local Christian community who had been involved in the planning for the first two years. The committee was chaired by Barbadian event manager, Adrian R. Agard. In 2003 Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc. was incorporated to carry on the management of the festival.

While maintaining the mandate of attracting visitors to the island, consistent efforts were made to ground Barbados Gospelfest as a Barbadian/Caribbean festival with an international appeal, incorporating and reflecting strong elements of the cultural reality of the Caribbean. This was achieved by ensuring that local and regional artistes participated and shared the stage with the international acts. Opportunities were also provided for the exposure and development of a wider range of artistic expression including dance and drama. 

The international nature of the festival has been characterised by the scope of participation with artistes being drawn from Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, Martinique, Trinidad & Tobago, and the USA, among others. 

Leading exponents of Barbadian Gospel music such as Joseph Niles, Sis. Magarita Marshall, Promise, Tony Lowe, The Miracles, and Gratitude have graced the Gospelfest stage and contributed to the success of the festival, while venues such as Farley Hill National Park (first used in 2004), the Jackie Opel Amphitheatre, and Independence Square have added a unquie caché to the festival, branding it as distinctly Barbadian. 

Over the years the list of international and regional artistes has been impressive. Leading Gospel artistes such as Donnie McClurkin, Alvin Slaughter, Tramaine Hawkins, Candi Staton, Harrella Goodwin, the late Ras Shorty I of Trinidad & Tobago, Richard Smallwood & Vision, Keith Staten, and Shine the Light have all left their imprint on the festival which has emerged as “The Caribbean’s Premier Christian Music & Arts Festival.”

Mission & Vision of Barbados Gospelfest

The vision of Barbados Gospelfest is to be the premier international Christian music and arts festival promoting the life-changing message of the Gospel through multifaceted avenues of music and artistic expression. 

In pursuing its vision Barbados Gospelfest will:

  • Consistently glorify God in every aspect of its management and production
  • Foster the highest level of artistic expression
  • Facilitate life-changing spiritual experiences for its local, regional, and international patrons
  • Provide tangible and intangible value to its associates, partners, and corporate sponsors
  • Purposefully seek to propel our local and regional expressions into the international arena

Barbados Gospelfest Artiste Ministers

2022 Neesha Woodz (Barbados), Sean Daniel (Trinidad & Tobago), Promise (Barbados), Romaro Greaves (Barbados), Mya Daniel (Barbados) Jude Clarke (Barbados), Reuel Lynch (Trinidad & Tobago), Janine White (Barbados),
2019 Alvin Slaughter (USA), Mel Holder (USA), Comedian Rod Z (USA), Promise (Barbados), John Yarde (Barbados), JPrince (Trinidad & Tobago), Blessed Messenger(Trinidad & Tobago), Neesha Woodz (Barbados), Bel Canto Quartet (Barbados), Marc Isaacs (Trinidad & Tobago), Trinity Clarke (Barbados), Allison Norville (Barbados)
2018 Jonathan McReynolds, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, Kevin Downswell, Jason Mighty, Marcus D. Wiley (Comedian), Lamont Sanders, Doreen Vail, V3, Mervin Budram aka MD, Pastor John Yarde, Comedian Rod Z, Alida Sharp, Kingdom Arts Music featuring Tao Howard, Excellency, The Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir, Promise, Chozenn
2017 Sinach (Nigeria), Pastor Charles Jenkins (USA), Jonathan McReynolds (USA), Small Fire - Comedian (USA), Jaron Nurse (Trinidad & Tobago), Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir, Neesha Woodz, Pastor John Yarde (Barbados), 
2016 Sinach (Nigeria) Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy , Akintunde, Chinnitta Morris, Workshop - Neicy Tribbett (USA) A’Leithia Sweeting (Bahamas) J Prince, Positive (Trinidad & Tobago) Kim Arthur Theo Bessem, Revival Time Men’s Choir (Canada) Annastasia Baker (UK) Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir, Neesha Woodz, Sirrah, Gozzy, John Yarde, MC ‘s - Imran Richards & Mark Harewood, DJ Pedro G (Barbados)
2015 Israel and New Breed, Akintunde, Cornell Germaine, Curtis Haywood (USA), Positive, Sherwin Gardiner (Trinidad and Tobago) Esther Farinde, Ekklisia (UK), Kreyol Gospel Parts (Martinique), Gershwin Lake & Parables (Anguilla), Flow, Called Out, Bridget Blucher (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir, Promise, Neesha Woodz, Philip St. Hill, MC ‘s - Imran Richards & Mark Harewood, DJ Pedro G (Barbados)
2014 Hezekiah Walker , Tye Tribbett , Damita Haddon , Rod Z, Curtis Haywood, Danielle Rene (USA) Marvia Providence, Revival Time Men’s Choir (Canada) Sherwin Gardner (Trinidad and Tobago), Shezekiel, Annastasia Baker (UK), Total Praise, Ay’ Di Gospel Unity (Martinique) Called Out (St. Vincent & The Grenadines) Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir, Nicovia & Larix, John Yarde, Sirrah, MC ‘s - Imran Richards & Mark Harewood, DJ Pedro G (Barbados)
2013 Nicole C. Mullen (USA), Canton Jones (USA), Mali Music (USA) , Kay Morris (Canada), Atta Boafo (Ghana), John Yarde (Barbados), Junior Tucker (Jamaica), Romaro Greaves (Barbados), Dave Brown (Canada), Bridget Blucher (St. Vincent & the Grenadines) A Few Good Men (Barbados) John Yarde (Barbados) Kay Morris (Canada), Neesha Woodz (Barbados) Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir, Boma Diri (UK) Chinnitta “Chocolate” Morris (USA)
2012 Tye Tribbett (USA), Larnelle Harris (USA), DJ Nicholas (Jamaica), The Grace Thrillers (Jamaica), Eric Darius (USA) Small Fire (USA), Marvia Providence (Canada), Rob Evans "The Donut Man" (USA), Sis. Margrita Marshall (Barbados), Promise (Barbados), A Few Good Men (Barbados), Divine Divine (UK), Shepherdess Connie Brown (USA), Doreen Vail (USA), Soul Winners (Barbados), Issachar ARTS Ministry (Barbados), Liam "Teknique" Rehman (Canada), Greg "Dunamis" Grant (Jamaica)
2011 William McDowell (USA)  VaShawn Mitchell (USA), Michelle Mckinney Hammond,(USA)  Rod Z (USA) , Doreen Vail (USA), Kevin Downswell (Jamaica), A few Good Men (Barbados) Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir, Trenacia Esseboom (Guyana) Ekklesia (UK), Curtis Jordan (Trinidad & Tobago), Positive (Trinidad & Tobago), John Tillery, (USA) Hoszia Hinds (Barbados), Kings Ministries (UK)
2010 Antonio Allen, Willie Brown & Woody, John Tillery (USA), Praise With Steel (UK) YUNG Saintz and Norwill Simmonds (Canada) Sista Michelle (Jamaica/Miami) Nigela Garraway & Divine Tone & Linda Berthier (St. Lucia), Shine the Light (St. Croix USVI) Joel Daniel and Brotherz of Destiny (Dominica) CYI, Broadway Boys, Burton Sisters and Sons of Zion (Trinidad & Tobago), Kevin Downswell & Papa San (Jamaica), Gospelfest Mass Choir, Kellie Cadogan, Shane Forester and Neil Crichlow (Barbados)
2009 Alvin Slaughter, Ian Pitter, Kay Morris, Prodigal Son, Sis. Margrita Marshall, Mel Holder, Roger Samuels, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers, Rod Z, Hoszia Hinds, Mya Daniel, Comedian Stephon, Shepherd
2008 Israel and New Breed, Jason Mighty, Bridget Blucher, Praise Academy New Era, Shekinah Glory Ministry, Elan Trotman, RodZ, Horace B. Saunders, Akintunde, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers,Lloyd Thomas (Lytie), Ryan Mark & Crissy D,  Gozzy,  Mr. Militant, Cynthia Musson
2007 Martha Munizzi, Canton Jones, Samantha Clarke, Isaac Blackman, Stitchie,  Praise Academy of Dance Barbados, Jason Mighty, Alan Charles, Sharon St. Louis, Elan Trotman,  Amy Cooley
2006 Stitchie (Jamaica), Don Moen(USA), Papa San(Jamaica), Shekinah Glory Ministry(USA), Canton Jones (US); IDMC (UK);Blessed Voices (UK);Bishop Wayne Malcolm (UK);

Alesia McCrary (USA), Praise Academy of Dance Barbados Cornerstone, KDB,   Dwight Crawford,  Allison Norville-Forde,   Promise, Inspired,  Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir,

2005 Dr. Helen Baylor (USA) Junior Tucker (Miami) Bridget Blucher (Miami) Marvia Providence (Canada) APC Voices (Canada) CIE (UK) Siani(UK) The Witness (UK) Gospelfest Mass Choir (Barbados) Danah (Barbados)
2004 Israel & New Breed, Deitrick Haddon, Papa San, Sisters of One, Gospelfest Mass Choir, Minister Stephen Hurd, Gospelfest Dancers, Sisters of One, Instruments of Prayze, Promise, Mr. Goddy Goddy, Neil Crichlow
2003 Bubby Fann & Unlimited Praise (New Jersey USA) - Peggy Britt (Virginia Beach Virginia USA) - Lisa Kempt (Florida USA) - Bridgett Blucher (New York) Elan Trotman - Saxophonist - Magrita Marshall & The Gospelfest Mass Choir (Barbados)
2002 Kurt Carr & Kurt Carr Singers, Alvin Slaughter, Donnie McClurkin, and Chevelle Franklyn
2001 Kirk Franklin & 1 NC, Helen Baylor, Trin-I-tee 5:7, National Wesleyan Choir (Washington DC) (USA) Stichie (Jamaica)
2000 Noel Richards of the United Kingdom, Shine the Light of St. Croix US Virgin Islands, Claire Jean- Charles of Canada, Carlene Davis of Jamaica and Alvin Slaughter of the US.
1999 Alvin Slaughter (USA), Keith Staten, and Richard Smallwood and Vision of the USA
1998 John Starnes & Alvin Slaughter (USA) and Ras Shorty I and the Love Circle (TT).
1997 Candi Staton (USA), Rev. Gwendolyn Coates, Change of Jamaica, Barbados Mass Choir.
1996 Calvin Bernard Rhone of the USA. Canadian Choir, Barbados Mass Choir
1995 Tramaine Hawkins, Jeff White of New York, (USA) Errol Lewis and Renaissance of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbadian Canadian Sandra Sandiford -Bryan, Denise Ogbede (England), Barbados Mass Choir.
1994 Kirk Franklin, Douglas Miller, Dorothy Norwood, Speaker: Rev. Dr. Bernice King, Nicole Ballosing (TT), Harella Goodwin (St. Croix, US Virgin Islands), Yolanda Adams, Ben Tankard (USA), UK Choir, Barbados Mass Choir.
1993 Dr. Bobby Jones, Douglas Miller, James Moore and Stephen Whiley (USA), Joseph Niles, Promise, Tony Lowe, Barbados Mass Choir.

 

One Awesome Day

The Barbados Gospelfest grand finale event the stage of which has been graced by some of the best-known names in Gospel music.

Chefette & Frosteez Gospelfest Kids’ Experience

A time of Ministry with worship and activities particularly designed for young children. It takes place in its own venue within the One Awesome Day event.

SigniaGlobe Artistes Development Workshop

An important opportunity for Gospel artistes at all levels to hone their musical, ministry and other artistic skills. It is free to attend, but registration is required.

Ultimate Gospel

Traditionally the gala event of the annual Barbados Gospelfest, Ultimate Gospel feature the almost 100-voices Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir often joined by a number of talented artistes who have ministered at the festival over the years.

Laughter & Jazz

This marriage of clean comedy with the unique and exciting stylings of contemporary jazz musicians and singers continues to draw patrons of all ages for an evening of fun and lots of laughter.

Joseph Niles Legacy Concert

A free public event offering many of our emerging Gospel artistes their first opportunity to be on an event stage. More experienced artiste ministers also make guest appearances, helping to expand the knowledge based of the up-and-coming artistes.

Hymnspeak

This much-loved event brings people together from a wide cross section of denominations to worship in one space. Features include the Hymnspeak Voices Choir, the Bethel Chimes, an ensemble of talented musicians and spoken testimonies. Audience participation in the singing of the hymns is a singular experience.

Worship & Thanksgiving Service

Join us as we gather together with the members and congregation of a local assembly to give thanks as we usher in the awesome week of worship that is Barbados Gospelfest.

Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir

The Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir has its origins in the creation of the very first Mass Choir which was established as part of the inaugural Barbados Gospelfest staged in 1993. The original choir was directed by Mr. Sam Taitt with assistance from Mr. Shelton Perkins, who after 1994 took over the full responsibility of directing the choir. In those early years there were many more Gospel choirs functioning in Barbados and, therefore, the concept of a Barbados Mass choir was practical. 

This choir primarily functioned at the events of Barbados Gospelfest with one notable exception — when it turned out in support of the BBC Songs of Praise programme that was recorded live at Accra Beach Barbados. It was directly after this live recording for the BBC that Adrian R. Agard had the idea to utilize the songs which were performed, along with some other popular choir songs, to create the first full-length album recording, which was done at the River Road New Testament Church of God. One of the notable songs in that recording was the collaboration with the legendary Joseph Niles, creating a vibrant choir-backed rendition of some of his most popular songs. This recording still holds its own as a quality local product that continues to enjoy regular airplay. 

Among the notable members of the choir in those early days were Paula Hinds, Leary Nurse and Mya Daniel. As the Gospel music scene changed in Barbados there was a clear lessening of activity involving choirs. The decision was taken to change the name of the choir to the Barbados Gospelfest Mass Choir. By this time Shelton Perkins had moved on and his understudy, current Musical Director Lester Welch, took over the responsibility of directing the choir. 

The choir, and persons drawn from the choir have provided support for such noted artistes as Tramaine Hawkins, Alvin Slaughter and Stephen Hurd, and have opened for most of the major acts visiting Barbados Gospelfest over its 30-year existence.

The choir is currently made up of persons who have reached pensionable age and who have been with it from its inception, as well as many others who are of school age who were not even born in the early years of the festival. They come together to make up a vibrant exciting enthusiastic group who just love every opportunity to praise God. In 2010, they created a first for a choir at the festival -- a live video and audio recording. In 2019, the choir was featured in a live broadcast of Barbados Gospelfest's Ultimate Gospel event which was seen around the world on GOD TV.

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's Ultimate Gospel
Saturday May 27th, 2023
New Dimensions Ministries, Barbarees Hill, St. Michael, Barbados

Christafari

As trailblazers, Christafari is continually pioneering the genre of Gospel reggae in the U.S.A and throughout the world. But the band is more than just musicians; they’re “musicianaries” (musical missionaries), spreading the message of hope and salvation globally with a relentless touring and release schedule. They’ve ministered in 85 nations, all 50 of the United States and released over 100 music videos.
Christafari was founded in 1989 by Pastor Mark Mohr. Raised in a Christian family, during his teens Mohr strayed from his spiritual upbringing and turned to drugs and alcohol, going as far as growing and even dealing marijuana. After running away from home, living on the streets, and hitting rock-bottom, he had an undeniable encounter with God that drastically transformed his world. At 17, Mark re-committed his life to Christ and took what he now calls his “Freedom Step” out of addiction.

At that point, his greatest desire was to help others escape the same bondage that once entangled him. He felt God leading him to start the first Gospel reggae band in America. Just two weeks later, the band was birthed at a camp talent show when a friend said, “So you’re not a Rastafarian anymore; you’re a Christafarian.” And the name stuck!

While their name may just sound like a play on words, in Biblical Greek it stands for a group of people who bear or represent the name of Christ. “At that time, the best advice I was given was to go to Bible College so I could be theologically and doctrinally sound,” says Mark, who attended BIOLA University, taking classes that emphasized pastoral studies and missions. During his college years, Christafari continued to take shape as Mark wrote songs for the band’s first three albums “Reggae Worship Vol. 1”, “Soul Fire”, and “Valley Of Decision”.

In 1999, after recording two hit albums with Gotee Records under the tutelage of TobyMac, Mark branched out and founded his own record company, Lion of Zion Entertainment, with the goal of “reaching the world through world music.” He later launched GospelReggae.com.

In 2002, while ministering in the Caribbean, Mohr met Trinidadian musician Avion Blackman. The two married a year and a half later and Avion joined the band full-time on bass and vocals. Avion comes from a very large musical family. Her father, Ras Shorty I, invented Soca and Jamoo music and trained over a dozen of his children to become his own backing band. She began singing lead on stage with her father at only four years old and started playing bass in his band The Love Circle at age 14.

Christafari is comprised of men and women from various continents, countries, and cultures who are true missionaries at heart and share a love for reggae music and passion for following Jesus to the ends of the earth.
LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's One Awesome Day
Sunday May 28, 2023
Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter, Barbados

Harella Goodwin

Janine White

Janine White is an avid writer of poetry, short stories, plays and dramatic presentations. She is a banker by profession, but enjoys time on stage as a performer. She has competed in a number of shows, poetry clashes and even pageants. 

She is a former student of the St. Michael School, Barbados Community College and the Univesity of the West Indies. She has studied in various areas including, Sociology, Psychology and Mass Communication. 

Janine's skills as a poet have taken her to Washington D.C. to compete at the International Symposium of Poets, where she was recognized as a Poet of Merit at the  event. She has won a number of poetry slams and competitions, including Baje Yout Poets, Barbados Writers collective. 

She has competed in the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts ( NIFCA) where she has won NIFCA Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. She won the Alfred Pragnell Award for theatre along with several other awards recognizing her skills in theatre and the performing arts. Janine is the recipient of the Prime Minister's Scholarship for 2012.

Since 2014 she has been performing with LAFF IT OFF and performed with the team at the Laff Out Loud Caribbean Comedy Show and then at the Laff It Off Roadshow in FT Lauderdale, Florida.

She looks forward to developing as a performing artiste and producer in the near future.

LIVE at Barbados Goispelfest's Laughter & Jazz
Friday May 26, 2023
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, Barbados

John Yarde

A gifted singer and songwriter, John Yarde did not set out to be any kind of artiste, worship leader or music minister; he simply believed in doing what he loved. Initially embraced as a drummer, being blessed with the space to lead worship started a ministry journey that has produced two albums and graced many stages alongside local, regional and international artistes.

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's One Awesome Day
Sunday May 28th, 2023
Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter, Barbados

Jude Clarke

Jude Clarke is widely known for his youthful, vibrant and electric performances. This actor, singer, dancer, and certified comedian holds multiple awards and accolades. Ultimately though, he would prefer to be known and remembered for his passion to live honourably before God, and as a man of love.

LIVE!!! at Barbados Gospelfest's One Awesome Day
Sunday May 28th, 2023
Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter, Barbados

Kellie Cadogan

Kellie Cadogan is a Barbadian singer/songwriter. Her craft has made way for her credited performances across the globe; at music festivals, showcases, corporate events and specialized ceremonies.

Her music is inspiring and consistently gives a taste of her encouraging messages, vocal range, rich tone, expressive improvisational skills and performance aptitude.

Kellie is also the founder and director of East Point Productions Inc (EPPI). Over the last 15 years she has extended her artistry as a recording artiste & performing artiste to create EEPI as a music business that provides quality vocal training, coaching, performance, examinations, professional productions, and novel corporate training and consultancy services.

She has released three albums - A Jazz album “The Nearness of You” and the R&B/Jazz album "Believe". The songs “Don’t Panic”, “Walkin’ In My Own Shoes” can be heard on the “Believe” album. Her 3rd studio album “Intimate Journey” features the songs “Spirit of God” Inside & Out” and “I Try”. All her music is available for purchase on all major music platforms.

At the core of her creative expression, Kellie is woman of God, wife and mother.

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's Laughter & Jazz
Friday May 26th, 2023
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, Barbados

Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise

This professional music ministry based in Canada strives to be cultured and diverse, not limited to denominations, nations or race. The group's first full album "One Church United: Phase 1" was released in 2017 and they were nominated for "Choir/Group of the Year" at the Glass Awards that year. In 2019 they received an Eddy Award for "Best Choir of the Year". Their “For The Kingdom” album featuring Papa San, Joshua Ali, Michael Manhertz, Jai Symone, and others was released in 2021. The track "Best Thing" off the album won Best World/ Reggae Song at the W.A.M Awards in 2022.

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's Ultimate Gospel
Saturday May 27th, 2023
New Dimensions Ministries, Barbarees Hill, St. Michael, Barbados

Lawrence Surles II

Lawrence Surles II is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Majors in Marketing and Management. He has over 20 years' experience in Music and Entertainment Management, and 15 years in Gospel Music Consulting. He is Owner/President of LLS Marketing and Entertainment and Vice President of Angelflyte Entertainment based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which hosts emerging artists, Angie Cleveland and Jared White. His passion is music and helping to empower others.

Session Instructor
Barbados Gospelfest's SigniaGlobe Financial Artistes Development Workshop
Saturday May 27, 2023
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, Barbados

Lou Taylor

Singer, songwriter, house hacker, interior designer, entrepreneur, and investor, Lou Taylor is a true creative - she knows no limits. Her heart is to help others be financially independent, create a peaceful ambiance within a home, and create music to encourage people to invite Jesus into their everyday lives.

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's Laughter & Jazz
Friday May 26th, 2023
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, Barbados

Maurice "D.J. Godson" Fawkes

A native of Nassau, Bahamas, Maurice Fawkes is a vibrant DJ, an appointed Minister at Great Assignment Kingdom Ministries #2 Church, and an inspiring motivational speaker who is guided by a portion of scripture in 1 John 4:4 ”greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”.

Prior and subsequent to his college days, Maurice's passion for music was evident in the secular arena. Known then as DJ Sly Fox, he was the top reggae disc jockey in North Carolina, playing in the finest hip-hop and reggae clubs. After eighteen years of playing in the secular arena, Maurice experienced a supernatural encounter with his Creator in December 2008 that transformed his life and in February 2009 Maurice stopped playing as a secular DJ. 

At the end of 2009, his passion to DJ renewed, Maurice was back on the wheels of steel, but this time for the glorification of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This time not as Sly Fox, but as DJ Godson being used by God to witness to souls, and to edify the body of Christ through Gospel music. 

Currently DJ Godson can be heard on Joy 101.9 FM from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays on Da Crazy Praise Mix Show, which he started in October 2014, and the Joy Ride at 5 Mix Show, which airs Monday to Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. He has won the Elevation Award for Party DJ of the year for 2020 – 2021, Radio Personality of the Year at the Bahamas Gospel Music Awards in 2021 and 2022, and is nominated for Radio Personality of the Year for 2023.

In 2012 Maurice founded Jesus in the Park a nonprofit evangelical outreach with the mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the use of fine arts in community parks throughout the island of New Providence, focusing on spiritual empowerment and building a God-fearing people to better the nation. The outreach includes pastors, and teachers such as: Prophet Stephen Munroe, Prophet Leo Adderley, Pastor Rick Dean, Sargent Leonardo Burrows, and Dr. Felicia “Firestarter”Archer to name a few. Various music artists include: Nigel Lewis, Christian Massive, the late great Lyrically Blessed, Denzil Rolle & Friends, Uncle Reese, and numerous liturgical dance groups, pantomime groups, and choirs. 

In 2014, led by his passion for music DJ Godson started his own Gospel music label “Godsent Muzic.” DJ Godson & Godsent Muzic have hosted and ministered at concerts throughout the Bahamas not only bringing enjoyment to the body of Christ, but also witnessing to souls in their musical language.  

Maurice is not only known in the musical arena, but also as an outstanding mentor and basketball coach. Seventeen years ago he founded the “Showtime Basketball Club”, a program designed for young men ages 5-19. The club uses basketball as a vehicle to impart Godly wisdom to young men on how to use His principles to live a purpose-filled life.

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's One Awesome Day
Sunday May 28, 2023
Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter, Barbados

       

 

Neesha Woodz

If excellence is what you seek and if uplifting God for His boundless mercy and love is your passion then you have a lot in common with award-winning singer, songwriter and performer, Neesha Woodz.

Her triumph at the 2016 Barbados Music Awards where she was awarded as “Female Gospel Artist of the Year” after previous local and regional nominations over the years, placed her at the very pinnacle of the Caribbean’s Gospel music arena. In 2017 she made history as the highest nominated female for the Caribbean Gospel Marlin Music Awards with a historic nine nominations, and came out victorious with the title Soca/Calypso Female Vocal of the Year, copped her first International award from the Prayze Factor People’s Choice Awards in the category International Song of the Year with her hit single "So Amazing". In 2018 she received her second and third international awards in the categories Soca/Calypso and Dance Song of the Year respectively, for her single "Worth".

Neesha has shared the stage with the likes of Grammy Award winners Tasha Cobbs, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Erica Campbell and Michelle Williams, as well as award-winning artiste Sinach just to name a few, and has been highlighted as one of the bright prospects for the future of Caribbean music, regardless of genre.

Her love for people, music and God is the combination which propels her as a full time Gospel music minister to see people saved, edified and encouraged through her various genres of music.

Live at Barbados Gospelfest's One Awesome Day
Sunday May 28, 2023
Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter, Barbados

Rod Z

Rod Z is no stranger to Barbados, and in fact considers himself an honourary Barbadian! He is an actor, a musician and a gifted comedian who started making people laugh from an early age at family reunions, and has not stopped since. As a professional entertainer he has opened for comedians like: D.L. Hughley, Paul Rodriguez, Cedric The Entertainer, and Sheryl Underwood. Outside of comedians he has also had the pleasure of opening for acts like The Temptations, The O-Jays, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, and Yolanda Adams. The majority of his performances take place in churches and conventions around the USA. He takes pride in being able to make people laugh without having to use profane language or vulgarities: “I do the same show whether I’m in the Improv, a juke joint, or the church.” He says he learned that from Sinbad. Two of his favorite accomplishments are his live tapings of his now popular brand of clean, but razor sharp comedy. His first project was “Stop Me IF I’m Lying” which was followed by “I Ain’t Lied Yet”. Through all his success, he gives all the credit to the Lord. That is why he keeps his comedy clean and his eyes on Jesus!

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's Laughter & Jazz
Friday May 26th, 2023
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, Barbados

Shannette Hepburn

From her first appearance in a public foum at age 10 this Nassau, Bahamas born singer, songwriter, psalmist and Gospel artiste has sung with various choirs, was the worship leader at God Seekers Kingdom Ministeries for five years, and ordained as Minister of Music. She launched as a solo artist in 2021 with the debut single "Holy Ghost and Fire" and received nominations for the Bahamas Gospel Music Awards New Artist of the Year and Worship Song of the Year. She has since released an EP entitled "Who Am I To You?" and has been nominated for the Gospel Choice Music Awards in Atlanta, Georgia for Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year.

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's Ultimate Gospel
Saturday May 27th, 2023
New Dimensions Ministries, Barbarees Hill, St. Michael, Barbados

Shara J

Born and raised on the island of New Providence, in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Shara J is a singer and gifted songwriter whose vocal talent was discovered at the age of eight. She was driven by her passion for community and children to found the Kingdom Kids Klub in 2003, which spawned the Kingdom Kids Choir, the Cacique Award-nominated children’s choir known for their hit single “Bahama Praise”. Her upbeat Gospel song “Growing Green”, a mesh of Junkanoo and Rake n Scrape, was nominated for a Cacique Award in the People’s Choice Award Gospel Category. Her single “God’s Got Me” at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

LIVE at Barbados Gospelfest's One Awesome Day
Sunday May 28th, 2023
Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter, Barbados