Sniper Prophet cancelling Watch Night for Kartel’s concert

Jahmar Watson, the controversial church leader known as the 'Sniper Prophet,' said he intends to cancel his church's Watch Night service on December 31, to attend the highly anticipated Freedom Street Concert by dancehall star Vybz Kartel.

Watson, who is known for his unapologetic stance and outspokenness, told THE WEEKEND STAR that while growing up and going to Watch Night services, he thought they were looking for Jesus Christ.

"That was the impression, but as I've got older, I realise it's just a cultural thing. So if I can go to the Kartel show, you don't know what can happen there and then. I can be stretching my hands in prayer while he is on the stage performing," he said. "I think I'm going to cancel the Watch Night service just for that day. Just to attend the Kartel show."

Watson's relationship with Kartel's music is no secret. He openly admitted that some of Kartel's songs are regularly featured in his bedroom.

"My favourite Vybz Kartel songs are Life We Living and Turn and Whine," he said. "Kartel haffi play inna my bedroom, and that nah change. You would realise that I have always been a fan of Vybz Kartel." Despite the backlash he knows is coming, Watson said he remained firm in his beliefs.

"You see, I'm a very transparent person. Whatever you see is what you're going to get. I'm not the type to come out and behave as if I am holy and righteous more than anybody else, and the behind closed doors [persona] is something different," he said. "Jesus Christ wasn't in a church when he came here on Earth. The only time he went into a church is when he turned over the tables in the church, which was the staff of the temple." Watson then made a bold request.

"I am personally inviting all the pastors to come to Vybz Kartel's show. I personally am inviting all the pastors to come because I believe that if Vybz Kartel ever gets saved at any given point in time, trust me, a lot of youth will also give their lives to God." he said. "So why stay behind closed doors and condemn the man? Look at Lady Saw--a whole dancehall queen until God transformed her. My purpose of going to Freedom Street is because I want to see him saved, and mi want hear mi Turn and Whine too."

However, Bishop Dr Alvin Bailey, head of the Holiness Christian Church and president of the Jamaica Evangelical Alliance, stressed that "Every Christian must stay from Vybz Kartel's show".

"Kartel don't expect Christians to be at the show either," he said. Bailey opined that every Christian is looking forward to Watch Night the same way a crowd looks forward to fireworks down at the Waterfront.

"All of us Christians are looking forward to a sober entry into what is likely to be one of the most difficult years in the Christian calendar, being an election year. So much crime and violence--we're looking forward to going forward with God's help, God's protection, and God's guidance. We don't have that time for no foolishness," he said.