Christafari is Coming

I first found out about the Christafari concert on Facebook. It has been a while since the group has been here. I distinctly remember attending The Gathering (a really cool bible study that used to be held at Avi’s Place in St. James) with Mark Mohr – the lead singer. When I heard about the concert, I knew I wanted Gospel Globe to be a part of it – whether working for Gospel Globe or not.

I contacted the promoter, and he agreed to meet with me to talk about the concert.  Excellent

Rodney Sammy-Guilarte doesn’t appear to be a hard or stern person.  He has somehow shaken off the look of his military past, and now looks like an average civilian. That is quite an accomplishment for an ex-marine. Now serving in God’s army as the Officer in Charge of Acts 25 (Advance Community Television Station), he runs a straight operation in this new unit.

This time though, Rodney is the person responsible for bringing Christafari to our shores for a free concert. “Real Love” – a concert featuring pioneering international gospel reggae artistes Christafari will be held at Faith Assembly International Church in Five Rivers, Arouca on Sunday 01st February, 2009.

When asked, Sammy-Guilarte stated that while he wants to have fun and good times in Gospel concerts, it is important to touch lives. This fact influenced the selection of the cast for the concert. He feels confident that everyone who is scheduled to take the stage could boldly say; “everything I do is for God”. Although this is not a declaration exclusive to the cast members, the performing artistes were specifically selected for this reason.

After a previously failed attempt to host Christafari in a concert in Trinidad, the opportunity to host the group practically fell into his lap, with a call from Mark Mohr (Band Leader of Christafari).

Why now though?  In response Sammy-Guilarte says “everything is in God’s timing... this is God’s timing”.

In this light, timing was important. With only three weeks to plan and prepare for the concert, he and his team pulled together an exciting cast. Gracing the stage on Sunday would be Avion Blackman, Monty G, Mr. Lynx, Isaac Blackman and the Love Circle, Koen Duncan and his band Birthright, Gitta Dan, Sons of Zion, J Square, and the FAI Worship team.

This concert will be an exciting night of “reggaematic praise”…to take a phrase from Gitta Dan. Better yet, it is being held in the midst of the secular celebrations of Trinidad Carnival with the intention of blessing the nation again in praise.

In closing, Sammy-Guilarte left this reminder for us all:                

“Your calling is to God. Your gift is to music”

Let’s share the gift of “Righteous Reggae” with the country! See you on Sunday!

Written by :

Maurice Burke

 

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