Radical gospel-dancehall artistes Perry InChrist and Prince Saj are on a mission to dominate the "secular spaces and infiltrate the souls of youths" with a dynamic mix of talents and "powerful messages" at the inaugural 'Takeover' concert on Friday. The event's organiser, Perry InChrist, given name Perry Cummings, told THE STAR that this concept is derived from him being a Christian and guild president at the The University of the West Indies, Mona. "I've always been involved in secular activities but always bring my faith and maintain myself as a man of God - a believer within these places," he explained.
"So Takeover is really an event to push and mobilise the community of Central Village, Spanish Town, in the right direction. It's to infiltrate the surrounding communities and to bring out the young people and steer them on the path of Christ," he said. The young singjay, who is known for his viral hit, Bwoy Affi (remix), shared that though he's not the first to host a gospel concert with the aim to 'win souls for Christ,' he believes this show will hit differently.
"God has his people in the secular world in leadership roles bringing change and God with them. But for me, I believe this is the new way forward for the believers in this crucial time that we're living in. So Takeover is just the first step of many more things to come.
What I want to do with this movement is going to pull on the new generation, so persons should come with an open mind and expect something different - it's not a traditional event. However, it's still aligned with the word of God and His mandate He's given to us as his ambassadors," he shared. The event is being held in partnership with Grace Covenant Church, and will be held at the church's home.
The show will feature other gospel artistes such as Threwth, CAJ Clayton and Patrihana Brown. Both Prince Saj and Perry InChrist are encouraging youth and entertainers of the 'secular world' to give positivity/Christianity a try. "They don't have to do demonic music to draw attention or get to the people.
Choose Jesus and sing some more positive things because music is powerful and it has a great influence on the younger generation," said Perry InChrist whose catchy content has been reaching a wide array of people through his social media platforms. Prince Saj said his mission is always to fulfill "God's mandate". "We should infiltrate these spaces and do what God want us to do which is to take back our rightful positions and really show the world that we can do this and do it for God.
[We are] not conforming to the ways of this world but [are] transformed by the renewing of our minds, being transformed back to our true form and glorifying God who gave us these gifts," he said. Prince Saj opined that with the impact of the secular music's influencing the youth's minds and decisions, delivering a gospel concert with a transformational message and young, like-minded "fully Christian" servants is perfect timing. "No one wants to put on gospel events because they are afraid people won't show up or get sponsors, but there isn't anything too big for God to do.
We need some more of these events to renew/reassure the minds of the youth and even the older people who have lost faith. With the reoccurrence of these events, they keep reassuring us that God is still with you and working miracles and they help to turn the minds of these youths from these secular/evil things that they'd want to partake in," he said. He urged "ambassadors of Christ" to stay atop of their game and get more serious by "putting out more songs" especially on social media.
Perry InChrist said that the concert aspect of Takevoer will be an annual thing but the concept will be a movement and a ministry. "We plan to go into communities and give back [through] back-to-school treats, Christmas treats etc," he said..
