Jamaican gospel favourite Kevin Downswell is spreading some good news of his own. His fifth studio album, Joy Is Here, was released on 30 October, and he calls it the most vulnerable and personal project he has made so far.

A stacked guest list

The 10-track set brings together a strong mix of voices:

• Papa San on ‘Who Could It Be But God’
• Minister Marion Hall on ‘You Remembered Me’
• Gramps Morgan on ‘The Reason’
• PantaSon on ‘Bless Me’
• Also featuring Kenya’s Moji Babaa and Samuel Medas

Other songs named include ‘Higher (From the Fire)’, ‘He’s Not Done With You Yet’ and ‘It’s Okay, I Got You’. Downswell was especially moved by the Gramps Morgan link-up: “Gramps Morgan being on this album is one of the humblest things ever.”

Previewed at Tuff Gong

Before release, fans got an intimate listening session at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston on 22 October, hosted by Sara-Ann Miller of Love 101 with music from DJ Rebirth. Musical director and bassist Rhon Matthison led a band with Wendell Lawrence on drums, Chris Wright and Wade Johnson on keys, and Brandon Benjamin on lead guitar.

Downswell says he never compromises his message whoever he works with – “It’s Jesus Christ every time” – and hopes the songs help listeners take their eyes off their own battles and “put them on the one who matters most.”

Source: Jamaica Observer