Rohan 'Perch' Brown (right) gives his views on gospel music during the Prodigal Forum hosted by the Gospel Artiste of the Month, Prodigal Son (left) on Tuesday, July 10. Looking on (from second left) are other gospel artistes Dwayne Murphy and Craig C who are dancehall gospel singers. - Peta-Gaye Clachar

by Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

The Prodigal you see on stage is normally in a Christ-only zone, but Tuesday by his poolside, the topics included were limitless.

Prodigal was joined by fellow gospel artistes Craig C, Shepherd, Murphy and Gallimore and friends of the artistes, Gary, Jackie and Betty. There was a general consensus that gospel reggae is picking up steam when compared to about 10 years ago. The example was given about the traffic jam that major gospel shows such as Genesis, Fun in the Son and Recharge cause each year.

"It is more geared to the times" Craig C thought.

But the music and the "times" also reflect on what some gospel artistes wear. It is no longer about the broad hat and the frock that reaches all the way down to the ankle, but often urban attire.

"I am one of the most bashed artiste with my platinum chain and the way I dress. People look on me and ask why I drive a BMW. I tell them it's because I can afford to," Prodigal said.

"What was taken away was my sin, not my clothes," Shepherd added.

The way gospel artistes roll these days is simply because they are able to package their music in a way that will get them more money. Technology has made it a lot better too. Artistes are therefore better able to care for themselves and their families.

However, Shepherd said their income is not where he would like it to be. Gallimore and Prodigal think they are compensated for the work they do. Prodigal compared working for hour to another person who work many hours per day, but are not able to make a decent living.

"We are being ungrateful compared to what others get," Prodigal said.

As is now a regular habit, gospel artistes are becoming regulars at secular shows. This does not sit well with some pundits. It is seen as Christians being unequally yoked with unbelievers, but these artistes have no intention of stopping.

"The Lord didn't come to call the righteous," Murphy said.

Shepherd backed him up by saying," it is a great joy going to secular shows. The energy is great and it gets the message out there."

Prodigal also added that secular artistes have a lot of respect for him. They do not smoke, drink are curse around him he said. He recalled an incident at a secular show in which a member of an entourage slapped another in the face. Upon recognising that Prodigal had witness the exchange, he came over apologised and explained why it was necessary.

Politics was also on the agenda, two days after the election date was announced. Among the things in question was the Prime Minister's sincerity about professing Christianity. They all agreed she is a likeable person though.

"We need the help of God in everything," Shepherd said to dispel what others have to say about how involved the Church should be with the state.

The discussion then went from church to the bedroom.

"From you married, anything between couple in the bedroom is legal," Prodigal said in response to how far Christians are to go sexually. However they did put the limit at anal sex.

Shepherd and Craig C agreed that Christians who are dating should not French kiss, explaining that a man should treat his girlfriend like he would his sister. They then made cracks at Craig C as to whether he was practising what he is preaching.