Samuel Midas ready for Genesis 2023

Genesis Praise Fest, hosted by Jamaica Youth for Christ (JYFC), returns New Year's Day at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew with a superb line-up of gospel artistes to start off the year on a blessed note.

Among those billed to fill the complex with praise is Guyanese artiste Samuel Medas, who will be performing in Jamaica for the first time in 10 years. He told Gospel Spotlight that he is excited for the show.

"(I am looking forward to) just the experience of coming back after 10 years to experience the Jamaican culture and music that has inspired me and many others, but now getting to share the stage with gospel legends like DJ Nicholas," he said.

Medas collaborated with DJ Nicholas on tracks such as Jah Arise, Yesterday's Anointing and Timeless. In 2017, Medas released the track Royalty which became popular across the Caribbean and North America, making his name synonymous with Caribbean gospel. As he readies himself for Jamaica, he anticipates leaving a positive message with patrons.

"Preparations are coming along great. My team and the guys in Jamaica are communicating and setting things in place. (I want to leave) a message of hope and certainty because of Christ. January 1 for many people is symbolic of a reset and a fresh start. But all of that without Jesus is nothing. He's the key ingredient that makes dreams and purposes live again," he shared.

The first Genesis was held in 1987. It is the longest running gospel concert in Jamaica. It features a mixture of young, up-and-coming gospel acts as well as more established local and international artistes. This year's line-up includes Goddy Goddy, Rian Davis, Orville Sutherland, Petra Kaye, Johnmark Wiggan, Trevelle Clarke-Whyne, Perpetual Sounds of Praise and Gifted Youth Ministry.

JYFC is a non-profit, inter-denominational, Christian youth organisation, which was started in 1947. Over the years, the JYFC has seen challenges from finding venues to planning the programme. Now, years later the entity has hosted successful shows in both Kingston and Montego Bay, St James usually held at the Montego Bay Community College.