André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
Nana McLean - Contributed
Many Jamaicans may not remember the name Nana McLean, but it is a different story in Canada where she now resides.
In the late 1970s, McLean kept company with the likes of the late Joseph 'Culture' Hill and Burning Spear. However, she migrated to Canada and started making a name for herself there. "People in Canada see me and recognise me. I am hoping that people in Jamaica will take on to my new album like in Canada," McLean said.
She is hoping that her first gospel album, Break Through, will serve as a breakthrough into Christian territory. Break Through is an anthology of conscious reggae gospel lyrics which classifies as a ministry, and is significantly inspired by her secular song Got To Move On.
"It's like I was stuck when I did that song and I thought I just had to move on. Everything around me changed and I wanted to share something with God. This is it," she said.
After doing the song, she decided to implement the words 'move on' on a personal level by not just talking the talk but also walking the walk. This resulted in her taking a step back and reflecting on her own life; where she had been, where she was and where she was going.
After taking time off from music to "relax with God and try to figure out what to do," McLean said she became a deeper, more conscious person.
New-found joy
He new-found joy in doing gospel music also came after her latest secular project from the Destiny Volume 2 compilation which shelters her two well received tracks, We've Got Tonight and her own Lonely. The success of both tracks easily bridged the gap between the two worlds. "It was important to know where I am coming from to get here. Now I am happy about where I am going," McLean said.
She said she saw the success of both tracks as an outlet to do a gospel album. This is her new path and she is determined to move onward, gaining true satisfaction and fulfilment.
Dedication to God
The album reflects her passion, determination and dedication to serving the Lord. She said it gives a true reflection of what the journey has been like in a way that everyone can relate.
Nana McLean was getting much airplay and recognition in the secular world, but she does not regret moving on. Her 1980 country bluesy, Georgia Eyes, was played on practically every radio station in Canada. Her roots ran deep in Jamaica's reggae industry as she recorded her debut single, Till I Kiss You, on the Coxsone label in 1977.
She also picked up a few awards for her work in music. She has received awards from organisations such as the Canadian Black Music Association and the Canadian JUNO Awards. Her album, Nana McLean - Collectors Series, produced by Jamaican ace, Donovan Germaine, won the 1997 JUNO for Best Reggae Recording.
