Gospel Spotlight: Anique Morris answers God’s call

Born into a musical family, singer Anique Morris started her professional music career performing gospel covers while in third form at the Montego Bay High School in St James.

Now, the 18 year old is ready to unleash her own catalogue of music, starting with Call Yuh Name, a testimonial account inspiring others to ‘answer’ when called to Christendom.

“It speaks about answering to God when He calls your name, and even goes into when I surrendered my life to Him and how He took me from the dungeon and changed my life for the better,” Morris told THE WEEKEND STAR.

“I’ve sang it on a couple platforms, and the people were very receptive of it. It’s catchy, so after a while, you’ll sing along.”

The track was birthed after Morris won the 2017 LOVE 101 sing-off competition, through which she was awarded a recording single. But she said unwrapping the prize posed one of the greatest challenges in her musical journey.

“I recorded the single, but a certain producer is giving me some difficulties with releasing it,” she said.

“I’ve been waiting for a while now. And after being in dialogue with him, he decided that he is not going to give the song to me. So I’ll have to do it over since he is denying access. I’m not sure if it’s a breach of contract, but I decided to allow him to have his way because everything will work out in my favour. I truly believe the song will be a blast, and I’m saying this by faith.”

Her calm nature about the matter can be attributed to her faith, but also to her field of study. Morris attends the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, where she is currently in teaching practice for school counselling. She also hopes to attain a masters degree in psychology.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping others who are struggling emotionally,” she said. “I want to be a powerful gospel minister who people look up to, and I want my ministry to be very impactful. I want a lot of souls to be saved.”

A native of Retirement, St James, Morris is the sister of 2015 Digicel Rising Stars third-place contestant Anna Mariah. She cites her musical influences as Goddy Goddy, Jermaine Edwards and Rondell Positive. She has also participated in the International Teen Talent Competition, as well as contests held by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.