Gospel Spotlight : Gospel artiste Shello plans 22HRS Street Festival

In a small studio in Moneague, St Ann, Shello began his journey to becoming an established gospel artiste.

Last year, it seemed like the road to success was smoothing out.

Shello found himself booked on a number of road shows for various brands, and found himself the sole gospel artiste in a primarily secular space.

Coming off the RJRGleaner Cross Country and Boom Badda Dan tours, Shello chooses not to label other non-gospel spaces as secular.

"I would say non-spiritual. It sounds too much like two groups of people when you say secular, because we are one. It's just that the music and the message that is different," Shello told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Now, as a member of the Praise Worship Centre, Shello utilised his experience on the road, to focus on the development of his church and community. Shello divulged that his church needs help with building improvements.

The success of a fish fry, fun day and concert last year has blossomed into a larger idea, which he has since taken on.

His idea for an all-day festival will come to fruition on Saturday, July 29 in Friendship District, Moneague.

"It's a fundraiser, and I wanted it to be different. I was just there thinking, and it was the Lord; He sent the vision," Shello said.

Main attractions

Courts Optical and Ready Cash 22HRS Street Festival will officially begin at 10 a.m. The main attractions for the day include a manicure and pedicure competition, a barber competition, an artiste's showcase and booth displays from local store owners.

There will also be competitions in street football, volleyball, netball and cricket. Prizes and giveaways for the day's competitions will take place at 6 p.m.

Shello told The Weekend Star that for interested parties, other festival activity, to account for the promised 22 hours will commence at midnight, with the execution of Prayer Work.

"I remember seeing my grandparents going through the hills to pray with people, going in the streets of the community, and we didn't have street lights. So I was thinking why not bring that tradition back," Shello said. Prayer Work will continue until 2 a.m., when the festival will show a movie.

Breakfast will then be served from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Other entertainment for the day includes donkey rides, and water slides and bounceabouts for children.

A highlight of the festival will be the gospel concert at 7 p.m. and feature performances by Shello, MC Teddy, Rian Davis, Yomek Radic, Dweeno, Randi and Gospelhead.