Award-winning Barbados Gospel group, Promise, has been confirmed for Barbados Gospelfest 2012. The dynamic group will be among the featured artistes ministering at the Courts “One Awesome Day” event slated for May 27 at the Farley Hill National Park.
Formed in 1981, Promise is an interdenominational group of musicians and singers who really enjoy their ministry and continue to strive for excellence, whilst remaining committed to their initial promise and goal, to touch lives and make a positive contribution to the Kingdom by Providing Revitalizing Outstanding Musical Inspiration for Spiritual Enlightenment and Enjoyment.
Ever evolving, the group is considered by many to be one of the leading gospel groups in the Caribbean. Commencing with its debut album “Safari Search” in 1984, the group has nine recordings and is working on its 10th. Some of the group’s most popular hits are: "Love Letters", "Crucified", "Raining", "Sing Hallelujah", "The Commands" and "I Seek You". Over the years Promise has been acknowledged for its innovation and consistency, earning awards such as the MEGOB (Best Gospel Band - 1981 - 1986), Cultural Promotions of Barbados (Best Gospel Band - 2000), Flame Gospel Music (Band of the Year, Recording of the Year & Song of the Year 2002 and 2004) and Marlin Awards 2004 (Best Ska Song). In 2004, the group was nominated for induction to the International Gospel Music Awards, Hall of Fame held in Detroit, USA. Through the years the band has shared the stage with internationally renowned artistes such as Kirk Franklin, Andre Crouch, Ron Kenoly, Larnelle Harris, Stitchie, Papa San, The Grace Thrillers, and Shirley Caesar, among many others.
“Promise is one of the most enduring of the gospel groups which emerged in the early eighties,” said Adrian Agard, Executive Producer of Barbados Gospelfest. “The roles which Promise has played in the Barbados Gospelfest over the years as performing group and backing band for many local and international artistes made it difficult to conceptualise a 20 year celebration without the involvement of Promise.”
Barbados Gospelfest is the Caribbean’s premier Christian music and arts festival, comprising a range of events that suit tastes from the traditional hymns to the modern beats incorporating the unique rhythms of the Caribbean. The festival also features events that give centre stage to the performing arts, explores Gospel jazz and comedy, and provides a unique platform for the showcasing and development of emerging Gospel artistes in Barbados and the region. It will run from May 19 to 27, 2012.