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December 16, 2007
Here comes the Gospel Evangelist
By: Joseph Cunningham
Kevin Downswell, the 2003 National Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Festival winner came to prominence with his original entry, "Praise." From the preliminary stages of that competition, Kevin had distinguished himself as the favourite to win with his professional voice control.
His performance in the competition was phenomenal, considering that he
only realized he could sing, at age 13.
Unlike many musicians, Kevin is not motivated by stardom, but instead, his passion is fuelled by the motto, "That Christ may increase and I
decrease." St. John 3 v 30.
In 2005 Kevin was appointed to the office of an Evangelist and graduated from the University of the West Indies with honors in Bio-Chemistry that same year. "I was commissioned by God to be a full-time minister during that period, and so I had dedicated myself in much fasting and prayer." He said seeking God at that time was very critical, because he had planned to become a Medical Doctor. "God had another plan," he added.
Since then Kevin has been ministering throughout Jamaica at conferences, and in foreign lands as well. He is a member of the renown "Perpetual Praise Team" and also minister at his home church, Faith Mission Assembly of God.
He does preach the word, but music is his greater talent, and so he
continues to sing, and is now a prolific songwriter. A co-writer for the 2006 mega Gospel hit, "Nah Bow" - the song that won a Marlin Award for Gospel Reggae Recording of the year; Kevin has also recorded two singles with Tennyson Walters, for the album "Reggae For Christ."
"Reggae For Christ" was the first Gospel production to top the New York and South Florida Reggae charts simultaneously.
He is currently working with Spurr Empire – a Jamaican artist management and music production organization, and his album is due for released in the winter of 2008. Kevin said the album will have 15 tracks, among them will be the currently popular "Praise," "Joy," "Still Stand," "Change is Coming" and "Nothing Just Happens."
For samples of Kevin Downswell's music visit www.spurrempire.com