Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Larry Kingdom is a gospel artiste from St. Ann. - contributed

Gospel artiste Larry Kingdom lost his way on two occasions but plans never to lose his path again as he is now stronger in his faith.

The artiste, whose real name is Laronda White says he was brought up in a Christian household in which he had to participate in most activities at church. His grandfather and uncle were pastors and his father was a deacon while other family members were heavily involved in the church.

Kingdom says he strayed from this path when he thought he had become a man.

Thuggy-thuggy lifestyle

"At 16, I thought I was becoming a man so I started hooking up with bad company. It was all about parties, girls and weed. Just a thuggy, thuggy lifestyle," Kingdom told The STAR.

This downward spiral path continued when he went to Grand Cayman. However, in 2001 he decided to become a Christian. He even attended a bible college from which he earned a diploma in ministry.

But within three years he was out again. At this point he got heavily involved in the 'hype life'. This comprised being in gangs, drugs, going to clubs, being a 'womaniser' and just living an extravagant life.

He returned to Jamaica in 2005 but felt that he was empty. Kingdom was invited to a church service by his cousin who is also a pastor. This is the point at which his life was changed.

"God said to me 'Larry this is your night' about three times. I accepted him back into my life right there. The urge for smoking, partying and girls went. He took it away like that," he said.

Kingdom says being part of Jesus' kingdom has been the best part of his life. This is quite evident as the night of his transformation he wrote his first song Mi Haffi which expresses his gratitude.

After this the St. Ann-based artiste released Jesus Saved Me and Call Pon, which got him nominated for best new artiste in the Mega Jamz Awards. He plans to release more singles to get himself known before he launches his album next year.

Good responses

These singles have been getting good responses from the populace. He has performed at schools like St. Hilda's High and Kingston College. In addition, he has appeared at Praise House, More Life and Portland Gospel Fest.

Kingdom has also included the youth in his future plans. With more sponsorship, he will start 'Christ For Life Saturday' which will accommodate young people who are yearning for some wholesome Christian entertainment.

His journey has been good and he says he appreciates the help that he has received from other gospel artistes and his manager Omar Stennett.

"It's been going good but not the best. In music you have to have a lot of patience 'cause everything doesn't happen one time," he said.