Montego Bay welcomes 2018 with Genesis Gospel Concert

Montego Bay residents ushered in 2018 in joyful gospel style at the 31st annual staging of the Genesis Gospel Concert, which ran from midnight to dawn yesterday at the Montego Bay Community College's Lorna Nembhard Auditorium.

The yearly event, which was put on by the Jamaica Youth for Christ (JYFC), started with a moderate-size audience, as attendees were slowly filing into the venue even while fireworks exploded in the distant sky.

As the night went on, however, the audience swelled and filled the auditorium to capacity, with patrons swaying and singing along to several of the songs performed by the more than 20 artistes who took the stage.

The highlight of the night was gospel dancehall artiste DJ Nicholas, who got the crowd out of their seats and dancing with him as he belted out the lyrics to Daddy-O, Things Already Better, and his debut of a brand-new song, Bible Addict.

Anique Morris, a past Jamaica Cultural Development Commission finalist and past student of Montego Bay High School for Girls, poured out her heart when she was at the microphone, with tunes to include Beulah Land and Sheltered In The Arms Of God.

WOWED AUDIENCE

The Montego Bay-based Mt Salem Open Bible Church Mime Performers and the Adoracion singing group also wowed the audience during their respective turns on stage.

During the running commentary between the concert's masters of ceremonies, Pastor Ivan Hall and radio personality Brian Bowen, individuals were encouraged to communicate more often with God.

"All of us have to take some time to pray more," said Hall. "Faith without works is dead, so as you pray, prepare to be part of the answer and to make yourself available."

The Genesis Gospel Concert in MoBay was held at the same time as JYFC's Genesis Praise-Fest 2018 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston.

Both events were part of the JYFC's 70th anniversary celebration since its establish-ment in 1947.