Gospel Spotlight: Poland beckons - Bawn Agen wants to travel to spread gospel

Performing at small concerts and sharing his testimony with youth groups and churches across the country, Bawn Agen has taken up the responsibility to spread the gospel through rap. As he builds his reputation on the rock, the lyricist has bigger dreams — and you might be able to help him. 

Bawn Agen, whose given name is Fitzroy Samuels, wants to travel to Poland next February to spread the gospel.

"I've never left Jamaica before! The farthest mi eva go is Port Royal," he told The WEEKEND STAR. 

To get there, Bawn Agen needs about US$3,000. He has launched an appeal on GoFundMe to raise the funds but had only managed to generate US$35.

Formerly known as Bang Dem, Bawn Agen hails from Central Village, St. Catherine. He started his journey as a secular dancehall artiste and rapper, but community turmoil in 2012 turned out to be his Damascus road. 

"There was a lot of violence in the area. Police came in and rounded us up. I was hanging with my friends and they just took everybody they saw on the road. I was in jail for almost a week," he said.

He told The WEEKEND STAR that that while being locked up at the Greater Portmore Police Station (100 Man), the tension in his community escalated.

"Many of my friends died violently from the shooting in my community. I was supposed to be on the street too, but God was hiding me from that," Bawn Agen believes. 

Upon his release, Bawn Agen committed his life and talents to delivering his testimony. He said that his talent was spotted by the Canada-based, non-profit organisation called Next Generation. The group performed briefly along with Bawn Agen, which piqued their interest. 

"When I came offstage, the manager of the group — Pastor Richard said we need to talk. He said I would be perfect for a tour they have in Poland," Bawn Agen said.

Similar to what the rapper already does here, Next Generation will travel through the country conducting seminars, workshops and performances for youth. For Bawn Agen, this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and he needs some help. 

Next Generation has previously worked with Jamaican gospel acts. They invited NexChange to Poland in 2016, all expenses paid.

This time around, the non-profit organisation requires that the airfare and accommodations would need to be covered by Bawn Agen, starting with a deposit.

"I have some persons who will help with that amount, so what is on the page would cover airfare and accommodations," he said.