“My sole purpose is to minister not to entertain…the songs I sing should foremost minister to the messenger before it can touch and transform the lives of others.” These words have been the hallmark of Garfield Reid’s singing ministry since he began in the 2003. Since its conception, Garfield has had the privilege to participate at crusades, conventions and concerts.

In light of this, Garfield Reid, a worshipper by nature has made positive and impressive strides in the music arena and has so far released two (2) original singles – “A prayer a way” and “Dance” - in June and August 2006 respectively. Both songs have received favourable success has they have received numerous airplays on the various radio stations. In addition, he has collaborated with “Blessed” a.k.a ………., on the Mainframe rhythm and released “King Jesus Reigns” in November 2004. This song, too, has received numerous airplays, especially on Mega Jams ’98 and LOVE 101 FM. The Mainframe CD is currently in stores.

The building blocks of the ministry of Garfield Reid include the Portmore Vision Gospel Choir, PVGC, etc... With PVGC, he had the opportunity to participate at ‘Genesis 2004’ at Jam World, ‘Choir Fest 2004’ and ‘It Soon Be Done’ in November 2005 at Cinema Two, New Kingston. Notably, all of whom Garfield has worked with in the past still shares a very good relationship. Even though not currently a member of PVGC, from time to time he has been called to minister with them.

Garfield Reid recently successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History with a minor in Political Science at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Garfield Reid wins JCDC Gospel fest

posted July 31st at 6:21pm

When all 10 finalists of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Song competition lined up on stage Sunday night at the National Indoor Sports Centre, it was Garfield Reid who stood a little taller and richer than the others.

But though he modestly denies it, he probably had some hint of his win when he penned Signs of the Time, his winning entry in the competition.

"I expected any card to play. I can't believe, I'm just overwhelmed," he said after the show.

Still, winning the JCDC com-petition has been one of his longest dreams. Now, in the spotlight, his message to Jamaica is: "perilous times are here, we are in the last days."

He said it was the manifestation of this, especially in the crime and violence that have been plaguing society today that was the inspiration for his entry.

Show stopper

But it did not take a light from heaven to see that Reid was indeed a likely contender for the $400,000 main prize his copping the Best Performer award (like last year's winner Clive Warren) hinted at the final outcome, his performances had spoken for themselves.

In the first round where all the finalists performed a song of choice, Reid sang God is Good. He had the crowd attesting to the fact as they moved from their seats jumping and waving as he conquered the stage. Reid moved onstage, commanding the crowd with his strong vocals as a veteran performer.

When he appeared the second time (of many), he was dressed in full white with a long staff. Bu this performance was just as spirited as the first, it is hard to decide whether the crowd was entranced by him or the expressive, agile dancer at the corner of the stage. Both worked well together.

But apart from Reid, the show stopper was the man with only four senses. Blind Courtney Cooke placed third with Gimme Pass but, for many, was a winner. The jovial fellow was a great dancer and a comedian. For his first performance, Cooke, who came onstage with his cane and wearing dark glasses said, "mek me tek off me glasses so me can see unnu likkle betta."

The crowd erupted in laughter. "I see unnu enjoying unnu self," he said when he entered for his final performance. Still, it was his dancing prowess, especially when he dropped his cane and got on bad, that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed.

Second-place Antoinette Brad-shaw with Completely thoroughly ministered to the crowd. Her personal testimony, coupled with her amazing voice, lifted her performance from the ordinary. But in an evening when all finalists held their own, possessing remarkable talent and with a smooth well-planned show, very little could have been described as ordinary.