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August 17, 2006
Prodigy: A Radical for Christ -- "I will die for the Gospel"
By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot
 If you want to find Prodigy, you have to ambush him at the Herbal Life on Braemar Avenue where he hangs out everyday.
"I like it here, I can do my meditation on the word right here in this quiet atmosphere, and drink a tea and shake, it's a healthy thing for my immune system," he told YardFlex.Com.
He is wearing a black shirt with the words 'A blood donor saved my life' emblazoned on the front and Mathew 26:28 (This is my blood of the covenant....) printed on the back. He wears silver jewellery.
He is one of the new faces leading the reggae gospel charge in Jamaica.
So songs like 'Every Morning' and 'Sin No More' came out of particular struggles that I had, while other songs like I Love You Lord featuring Crissy D came out of worship and quiet time being spent with God."
The Chosen Prodigy is currently being distributed by Caribbean Gospel.
Shows in England, St. Maarten, and the Turks and Caicos, and Canada in August.
"Reggae gospel is still on the rise and it's getting bigger especially in the wider Caribbean. The UK is one of those markets that is showing a lot of potential as well.
"People come to me, say they heard the testimony, and say, if this young yute can do it at 21, then why can't I? Recently, at a show in Clarendon, I had an altar call and I asked if there were people who didn't know Jesus, and 25 people came up and I was actually surprised," he told YardFlex.Com.
He said that given the reaction of some of the audience members, especially those at the front, he had been pondering whether it was necessary to make an altar call or not.
 "The persons at the front were in a frenzy for Jesus, it seemed that they had been saved already, but I listened to the spirit, and did it, and several persons at the front, young people, actually came forward."
He said that within church circles, he has met stiff opposition from what he dubs "Scribes and Pharisees' who criticize his method of evangelicizing to proselytes.
"I am not going to listen to jazz, maybe when I am older, I can appreciate it more, now, I gravitate towards dancehall, that is what I am using to draw a younger audience closer to God," he said.
"I think the critics are afraid of change, they don't want to open their minds to new things. When the church started, the 'Ole Ragged Cross' was enough to save souls, and it worked, it saved millions, but we must be flexible in this fight to win new souls. The word of God says to take the gospels to the highways and by-ways, and dancehall is the vehicle I am going to use."
Songs such as Every Morning which speaks about the temptations and struggles of Christian brethren with the opposite sex, Tell the Devil Now, and Sure with Minister Goddy Goddy, Prodigy's older brother.
"My brother Goddy Goddy was actually a secular deejay called Snakeman. I admired him a lot and his conversion to Christianity played a big role in me getting converted because one week after, I accepted Jesus Christ as well," he told YardFlex.Com.
His debut album, 'The Chosen Prodigy' got rave reviews from critics, and for a time, was the top selling gospel album in the country. However, Prodigy plans to up the ante with the release of his latest effort, 'The Tabernacle' which will be more dancehall-influenced and edgy. One of the lead songs from the album will be 'Don't Judge Me', a scathing commentary about his early experiences in the church, and the criticism and envy that came with his recording success.
He also believes that the 'hypocrisy in the church is the biggest problem, they are afraid that we will explose the church lifestyle, but they should not worry if there is nothing to hide".
"I plan to target the dancehall more than the church with this album. That is where I feel that we should direct our attention, we have to win souls, and I will do what God tells me to do, the dancehall is where the fight for souls is being won and lost, and I am not afraid, I will dead for the gospel like Stephen if that is God's will, I am one of the radicals in the church...a radical for Christ,"
He is a big fan of Wayne Marshall, who he says "uses a lot of positive songs like Forgive Him Please with Alaine and Overcome to get his message across".
"I also like Assassin because he writes sensibly and I admire the stage performances of Beenie Man," he said.
Prodigy was last at a secular stage show in December 2005 when he attended the annual Sting concert in Portmore.
"Prodigal Son had been billed to perform that night, and I was there to offer support and take in is performance, I was accompanying a fellow gospel deejay. I
"I would love to take to someone from VP Records to get them to stop separating gospel reggae from secular deejays like Capleton and Sizzla. Those artistes have their own religion, but it should be seen as one with gospel reggae, we are a part of the fraternity, I would like to talk to someone with the power to change how reggae gospel is marketed and distributed to the international audience," he said.
He also wants to make some changes in his management structure.
Posted by yardFlex at August 17, 2006 01:32 AM
Comments
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Posted by: Wade Cameron
on August 17, 2006 12:44 PM
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It's good to see a positive person who brings something new to the music. It brings diversity and substance to the music. Best of luck.
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Posted by: stacey
on August 17, 2006 07:40 PM
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keep up the good work did get i see you in st.maarten sorry i had to work but the words was on the street how goooooooooooood it was GOD BLESS.......YA
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Posted by: judith haughton
on August 18, 2006 04:40 PM
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I love this article on the gospel artiste ryan mark
He shows alot of promise.
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Posted by: dj dre aps
on August 19, 2006 05:27 PM
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Keep the gospel Not just the music blazing see
Portmore representive say dat
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Posted by: Annagay
on August 23, 2006 11:08 AM
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You are god's chosen son keep proclaiming gods word because there is no other way than trough christ jesus. keep winning souls for the kindgom and never let go.Jesus forever through the rough and stormy weather always rember its jesus forever.God Bless
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Posted by: KERESE
on August 23, 2006 08:21 PM
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Ryan Mark you doing a great job in reaching young people in our nation. For too long young people are afraid to accept Christ because of the bonage "church" put on then. They believe that as long as they are christians they are not allow to be who they are, to express thenselves. Keep up the good job!!!!!!!!
Ryan Mark, I enjoy the work that you do and i know that god will bless you to save many more lives as you have already done.love you
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Posted by: Talitha
on August 24, 2006 09:56 AM
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I did'nt at first like the "dancehall gospel" and i still dont like some of them, but i am not the one to judge. I am not a cristian but i am a firm believer in my father Jesus Christ and if the way your going is the way you feel God needs you to go then continue and spread the word of our father to the nation and the world at large. Get all the souls you can get and then some. One of these days i will be in your batch praising God the old Gospel way, which is the way i love. Your doing great right now keep it up and dont ever turn back.
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Posted by: Prodigy
on August 24, 2006 01:08 PM
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Hey this is Prodigy,thanks for the encouragement and God Bless you all.
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Posted by: Vendenesia Moodie
on August 25, 2006 01:56 PM
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HEY RYAN MARK, I LOVE THE WORK YOUR DOING, JUST CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOUR DOING.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK..............
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Posted by: Melly
on August 30, 2006 01:34 AM
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Yup its Melica,I want to encourage you to continue workin for the Lord inspite of what others want to say.I think God has given you a gift and instead of giving glory to the devil you are doing it for the King of Kings and the Lord of lords.So keep it up,Is not everyone agreed with Jesus when he was on earth so imagine little Prodigy...
Continue living for Christ babes, Melly seh so.
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Posted by: Nadezda
on August 30, 2006 01:45 PM
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hey prodigy, just want to let you know that i love your work and keep on doing your thing for god. persecutions must come but stay strong
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Posted by: Melly
on August 31, 2006 04:22 PM
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Hello Ryan its me again representing everyone from GORDON TOWN... Continue spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Str888888t
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Posted by: Judy
on September 1, 2006 11:37 AM
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Keep up da good work, keep living for christ it is so sweet .Just da thought that he's always with us make us feel secure.It's not easy but no cross no crown. Judy jamaican living in da big apple.Have a blessed day.
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Posted by: michelle
on September 4, 2006 01:14 PM
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Ryan Mark, you are a very good person with good intention towards god, But am not really liking some of the DanceHall Gosple because some of them are not in my oppinion really worship music
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Posted by: soso
on September 4, 2006 02:58 PM
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I like some of the reggae gosple music because they can be very uplifting at times, but some of them are just you know jumping up and down music. I like the song that you did with your brother, I love the songs from prodigal, stichie and others. My brother continue to do what you are doing its better to sing for god than the devil.Ryan just stay focus and continue to trust the Lord and meditate and read the word, God will continue blessing you. You are here for a purpose and God will continue to help you to maintain focus on him. I may not like all the Reggae Gosple songs but there is someone outthere who Reggae Gosple will appeal to and can changed.
God Bless
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Posted by: brother tee england
on September 10, 2006 02:44 PM
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bless up prodigy aka ryan mark..we are hearing you loud and clear in england with the message of jesus christ
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Posted by: Morenike
on September 10, 2006 10:58 PM
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God bless you YardFlex keep on spreading the gospel...
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Posted by: Chayah
on September 18, 2006 08:08 AM
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Prodigy you can change the way Gospel music is marketed. You have access to an all powerful God who can do anything. Pray to Him for all you want to see happened. Stay on your knees to Him and when you stand up to walk you'll walk like a giant.
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Posted by: Tamika
on October 11, 2006 04:04 AM
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thank you my broter for doing the work of God thanks for targeting young peeople. I am 18 and is a child of God and it's a wonderful feeling to have Christ and the holy spirit with you and i would share it with other young people
God bless you my brother and keep up the good work that you are doing
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Posted by: Tha1BlackJack
on October 12, 2006 12:23 PM
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Bless up to all the gospel reggae artists. God is truely moving in the dancehall. God is using you to bless lives in the U.S. and all over the world. Souls are being saved, people lives are being changed from the inside out. Not to correct anyone, but when one addresses God or Jesus Christ He is to be address with a captial G or JC because He is the Most High, the Almighty One. Continue to yield to the Spirit and the will of God. God is using you to make a difference. Be encouraged. One love in Christ.
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Posted by: Trae
on November 8, 2006 03:17 PM
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Posted by: Samantha
on November 8, 2006 07:42 PM
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I think Ryan Mark is a great gospel artist. He is touching people's hearts by storm. I was inspired by him when he visited my church. I am thankful for the encounter and I know he will continue to be blessed by Almighty God. Much Love
~Samantha~
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Posted by: celie
on December 5, 2006 09:37 AM
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hi wats up i'm in florida but i admire the work that you are doing for god, keep doing what you are doing and i hope wen i come to jamaica this winter you have a concert that i can come to. keep sweet.
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Posted by: Dj Cruise
on December 5, 2006 06:55 PM
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Posted by: shakira
on December 8, 2006 01:59 PM
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u r doing a good job, just hoping the best for u and continue to grow in the Lord and do His will. Amen
Prodigy, I love the work you are doing for God. You are awesome and I am sure that you will always continue to be. I am your biggest fans. At school, Immaculate Conception High School, and at church, Fresh Fire Ministries International, my friends and I love to talk about the good works you are doing and we are saying that we on earth we are really blessed to have you. Continue to do your wonderful job. My wish is that you will read this and I get to meet you. You biggest fan!!! Who GOD BLESS NO MAN CURSE. BLESS UP, PRODIGY.
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Posted by: ricky
on January 8, 2007 09:02 PM
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well its been a while since i want to shout out to the public out there. blessing to all, and i think some young people christian show like what keep in Kingston need to come to montego bay. keep onn doing what you guys do best. God blesses you all.
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Posted by: Name
on January 13, 2007 08:37 PM
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Hey Ryan, love you music.
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Posted by: Vanessa Jones
on February 5, 2007 07:32 PM
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Ryan Mark u have been truly blessed. Ur work has blessed young people out in the world and it has truly blessed me. I often realize that every time u minister, u always talk to God and that i think is truly amazing. Continue to reach out to young people out there and keep in the Lord. By the way congragulations on ur engagement with Chrissy D. I hope u two have a wonderful life toghether and keep real in the Lord.Chrissy D chose the right man: cute,handsome and is also a Christian. Its not too far away. Its only 2 more weeks. God HAVE UR BACK RYAN MARK aka P-R-O-D-I-D-G-Y.
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Posted by: carlene
on March 30, 2007 06:10 PM
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i want to live for god too,it is a hard task,one day i should be as confident as you.keep up the good work for god,pray for me ,my plans for god is to spread his word and win as many souls that i can win for him even if it cost me my life ,he die for me and i could do the same for him keep the faith.luv ya brother.
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Posted by: Nessa
on April 5, 2007 10:16 PM
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love the work ur doing 4 god. continue to be blessed by God!!!!!!!! ur yet to see what god has placed in u and i think what God has placed in u it shall touch other souls out in the world today. Continue to die 4 the gospel Ryan mar....
i mean Mr. Renoylds. by the way ur a handsome man!!!!!! it looks like God gave u all the cutenessssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by: kimmy
on May 4, 2007 04:23 PM
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watz up! watz up! well I myself love ryan mark he is a gifted man of god, well Ryan mark just keep on sing for god and god will bless u more than what u can store
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