Carlene Davis seeks to inspire with ‘Rapha’

Renowned gospel artiste Carlene Davis is hoping to offer encouragement to listeners all over the island through the track Rapha.

"Jamaica is going through a period where healing is needed, and we hope and trust God that this song will bring healing. Even in our circle/team working on the Best Dressed Chicken Fun in the Son, we can see where it's bringing healing to many people right now. Our God the Lord Jesus Christ is the healing God of yesterday, a healing God today, and the healing God of tomorrow," she said.

Despite a perceived increase in secular music, Davis opined that there is still a permanent place for gospel, given the perilous conditions in today's society.

"Gospel music is a 'light in a dark place'. When you see the decadence in our society; domestic violence; murdering of children, etc. We do need the Word of God and the ministry through music to counteract the onslaught of the enemy," the singer continued.

Davis launched her recording career in the 1970s while living in Toronto. She returned to Jamaica in the early 1980s and scored a series of radio-friendly hits, like It Must Be Love, Going Down to Paradise, Santa Clause Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto? and Dial My Number.

She has also recorded over 12 gospel albums, the first being Jesus Is Only A Prayer Away in 1987. Her most recent album was The Assignment.