Nicole Mullen's powerful ministry at Gospel Showcase


Kingston, Jamaica, Friday, February 15, 2002

Nicole C Mullen, belted out her composition Redeemer to a jam-packed audience at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre at the Gospel Songwriters' Showcase on Tuesday night. There was no doubt was left in anyone's mind why the song captured the hearts of Christians and non-Christians alike and won the coveted Song of the Year at last year's Dove Music Awards.


For a song to be well-received and given the distinction of Song of the Year requires more than just good writing. It requires precise musical arrangement and the appropriate singer to make the composition one of high quality.

In a very entertaining segment which followed a lengthy band change (believe me, it was worth the wait), Mullen ministered the gospel in song with choreographed dance routines which she and her four dancers executed beautifully much to the delight of the teens and young adults in the audience.

As Mullen, opened this segment with her gospel hit Freedom with an Aaliyah-like dance routine (without the booty shaking of course) the concert was transformed into a dance party as patrons dropped all their inhibitions and moved in time with the fast-paced music. Mullen's story-telling antics which she cleverly used to introduce each of her songs during her performance evoked emotions among members of the audience. Using modern day street talk she re-told the story of Job found in the Old Testament to introduce Redeemer. This version caught the full attention of the audience.

Noreta Lewis, winner of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) 2000 Gospel Song Competition, also had an high-energy performance as she skipped and jumped on stage in her stiletto heels. Along with her winning entry By and By which she sang, the firebrand entertainer also ventured into the area of dub poetry, giving a tribute to women with an original composition of Woman.

In their usual impeccable style, The Portmore Vision Choir did a soul-stirring performance by performing a medley of Praise and worship songs. Their black uniform with African kente cloth draped around their necks added an elegant touch to their presentation

Also attired in full black was Gifton Smith and the Hummingbirds, another winner in the JCDC Gospel Song Competition.

Although dressed in a leather trench coat as his dancehall counterparts would on a stage show, Smith's message was remote from dancehall as he shared his many experiences with the Creator. He also excited the crowd with some praise and worship songs.

Captivating is the word to best describe critically-acclaimed saxophonist, Dean Fraser, as the audience hung on to every note that uttered from his saxophone. Fraser, dressed in full black, played the all-time favourite gospel classics I Must Tell Jesus and God is Truly Amazing made popular by Deniece Williams. Fraser who is known for his playing with wind instruments lent his voice to his friends, four female singers who performed an a cappella rendition of Love originally recorded by Kirk Franklin and the Family. As they harmonised each note precisely, a standing ovation by the audience was in order.

Glacia Robinson, who stormed the local gospel scene in 1998 with her winning entry, Hold My Hand, now an anthem for many Jamaicans was not present on Tuesday to showcase her talent, due to illness. A tribute was paid to her by the LOVE 101 family which included masters of ceremonies for the evening, Nadine Blair, Arnold Kelly and Marjorie Leyden-Vernon, JCDC's director of public relations. A special prayer for Robinson's quick recovery was also offered by Michael Schurton, Marketing Manager for LOVE 101 and president of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.

The JCDC also used the opportunity to launch the 2002 Gospel Song competition which was done by minister of local Government, youth and Community development Arnold Bertram. The Gospel Songwriters' Showcase was presented by Life Productions in association with the JCDC. Associate sponsors included LOVE 101, Air Jamaica and the Hilton Hotel.