André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

DJ Nicholas maintains an image of dapper dressing. - Contributed

As much as it is downplayed, there is hierarchy in gospel as much as there is in secular music.

With the all the hype that a Munga and/or a Mavado now enjoys, they still need a few more hits before they can compare with a Sizzla, Beenie Man or Bounty Killer. The hits will not come all at once, but with years of hard work and determination, they can.

So it is with gospel.

However, while not many secular artistes will readily identify other artistes as superior to them, a few gospel artistes on the rise are practising the biblical idea of giving to Caesar that which is his.

"As much as you want to deny it, people will draw to a specific artiste. You have to challenge the mind and challenge young people," said Wayne 'Jai' Buchanan, the former lead singer of Katalys Crew who is now a solo gospel artiste.

Among the names that have surfaced as the top gospel acts are Prodigal, Moses, DJ Nicholas and St. Matthew. Popularity in Christendom, however, is not entirely what it is in the secular world and Andrew 'Omari' Edwards pointed out they all have one purpose.

"It is hard to say. They have different missions. It is not like a Bounty or Beenie who rival each other. In term of publicity, I would say a Prodigal because it is easier for people to identify with him in both in the secular world and the Church. Nicholas is known mostly in the Church," Omari said.

The upcoming artistes are not perturbed about not being at top level yet. They know there is no such thing as overnight success. Besides, the artistes at the top now serve as examples to those who look up to them.

"You can't expect that a Craig-C would be up there with a Prodigal. Dem inna di business. Mi just a come," said Craig 'Craig-C' Chambers.

Opening gates

Papa San is identified as the man who took dancehall gospel to the U.S. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

"It is just about opening gates ... Papa San went to the U.S. and promoted di dancehall mek all BET would play a video. Prodigal is with bmobile. Maybe there are looking for another gospel artiste. Others will look and seh, 'mek mi give the gospel artistes a try'," Omari said.

Making it to the top takes a good management team, good material and focus. Believe it or not, image is also always important. Prodigal is always decked out in his suits and ties, Moses sports his locks while DJ Nicholas can be expected to be dapper. The artistes agreed it important to not to be easily forgotten.

"A lot of artistes don't have an image and it important other than the spiritual side," Jai said.

Omari said "it is all about hard work and promotion. Not because it's gospel, we have to go out and get the work done like anything else. Wi can't just sit down and seh God a go work everything out".

Keep focused

Gospel artiste Omari says Prodigal (pictured) is known in the gospel and secular worlds. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

It is also important not to get sidetracked. The idea is not to be at the top, but to keep focused on the most important reason for singing gospel music.

"My motivation is not geared at making it to the top. If you you are effective, success will automatically reach you," Omari said.

According to Craig-C, he is prepared to act 'force ripe', but work towards the mark.

"Stability is one of the main things. People have to see you as someone who is humble and they can look up to ... I have a long way to go, but I am working. Me coming and see others. I can learn from their mistakes and triumphs," Craig-C said.