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PapaSan
Biography
PapaSan
His debut Christian album "Victory" integrates dancehall and gospel styles with rootsy reggae beats and strong vocals. The lyrics are boldly Christian and the rhythms are powerful. It is easy to understand why this project is currently one of the best selling Christian reggae albums on the market. But San is no stranger to success, before signing to B-Rite and the release of his highly anticipated debut album, he had already created waves in the Christian music scene. His introduction to the international gospel scene was on the 1999 Jackie McCullough hit single "Stay Connected." But even before this, Papa San had already positioned himself as one of the top Jamaican deejays in the industry. Papa San has long been one of the most popular and consistent entertainers on the Jamaican dancehall circuit. He initially gained popularity in the late 80s through his comedic combinations with Lady G that topped the Jamaican charts and mashed up the crowd at every performance. Once established in the Jamaican music scene, he exploded with hits such as "Hippity Hippity Hop," "Strange," "Watch a Them," "Maddy Maddy Cry," "Pray Fi Dem" and his clever union with Doug E. Fresh recorded live at Reggae Sunsplash. He later became the first DJ to have a number one single on the Billboard Dance Chart with his song "The Programme." To this day he is still considered to be one of the fastest spit-fire chatters in the world. But all of these accomplishments did not satisfy his soul. On September 28th, 1997, Papa San became a born again Christian and finally found the VICTORY that he had been searching for all of his life. In his new album titled "Victory," his commitment to Christ is clearly displayed without apology. Songs like the title track and "Hail Him Up" speak of salvation, deliverance, and the sometimes hard but ultimately victorious road that Christians must travel. In this album San, which is an abbreviation for "Sand," speaks about the sensitive subject of his late brother Dirt, who is known among the reggae circles as dancehall legend "Dirtsman." In his song "Jesus Love," Papa San sings from his heart, "My brother died by a gun shot... and I was searching for comfort-- now me found it in Jesus." In honestly addressing the loss of his brother who was gunned down in Kingston during the prime of his career, and the tragic deaths of his sister and cousin, San sings this therapeutic song of healing offering hope for all who are stricken with the pains of life. In the hard hitting "Jah Mercy," San teams up with the Dancehall King Shabba Ranks. This powerful combination clearly proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord. But this union has raised a lot of eyebrows given the rumor that Shabba is not a born again Christian. Although this duet may be controversial, it is clear that San is doing his best in trying to reach Shabba with the good news. After a careful inspection of the track I have come to the conclusion that Shabba is doing some serious soul searching. In this song Shabba chats; ¬>=Only Jah mercy, Papa San a seek to take me off of Babylon¬s streets, Lord Jesus me thirsty, Mount Zion me got to reach, Babylon river too deep....¬<= This is a precious reminder to pray for Shabba and continue to encourage Christian artists to reach out to their secular counterparts with the gospel of Jesus Christ in song. Great recordings such as "Road to Travel," "Fly Away Home," and the tender "Touch From You" featuring Chevelle Franklyn also come to mind, but there are too many strong tracks on this album to mention in this short review. You need to check it out for yourself. One listen and you will find out why B-rite, one of the biggest gospel music labels practically signed San on the spot after he opened up for Kirk Franklin at a concert in Jamaica. Anyone that draws attention away from Kirk Franklin deserves respect. Since the release of this album, the "new" Papa San has ministered throughout Jamaica and across the Caribbean preaching his message of salvation through rhythm and rhyme. Pick up a copy of the album that entered in at #5 on the Billboard Top Reggae Charts today--and let the VICTORY begin! |
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