HE WAS KNOWN for his fast speaking tongue in the dancehall, and despite now being a Christian, San has continued to employ some of his lyrical styles in doing gospel music which, perhaps, brings a different twist and flavour to San as a gospel artiste.
Papa San has undoubtedly introduced the world of Christendom to a new form of present day gospel music. First there was hip-hop gospel and gospel rap, now reggae gospel has been introduced both on the local and international market.
On his debut album (Victory), San had a couple collaborations with dancehall artistes which also added to the reggae flavour of his gospel music. He teamed up with the likes of Chevelle Franklin in 'Touch From You', (herself a former dancehall artiste turned gospel singer) and dancehall icon Shabba Ranks in 'Jah Mercy'.
According to Papa San, not many Christians accepted his style of deejaying at first, but now, he says, they have been warming up to it. "I've gotten so much great responses, and it's only increased over time," he says.
Turning to Christ
Now, San says it's a joy to see souls being won for Christ through his music. "We've seen thousands of people come to Christ at our concerts." Many of them, San said, came to the shows just to see what it would be like to hear a gospel message put to dancehall music. "Many of them were shocked at what they heard (in a good way), and got saved in the process."
Papa San says he will continue to travel the world and perform his style of gospel/dancehall, in an effort to bring as many people as possible to God. "God gave me a gift of music, but Christ called us to be fishers of men." As Papa San has written on the cover of his second album, "I am a fisher of men, and music is my bait."
