Stitchie performs at the Reggae Month church service at the Faith Tabernacle in St Andrew, yesterday. - Norman Grindley

Even from outside, it was clear that worship of a special sort was taking place at the Faith Tabernacle yesterday morning. And it was not the sight of the uniformed policemen and various vehicles with government plates that made it so special, but the unmistakable throb of reggae basslines, which reached into the courtyard of the St Andrew church.

The door of the auditorium opened to a full house, many of the people there specifically to celebrate Reggae Month as it got under way with a thanksgiving service. Appropriately, it was a service with a very strong musical touch, as there were performances by Stitchie, 2008 Gospel Song Competition finalist Deneese Wright and DJ Nicholas, among others.

Stuck to matters

And Rev Al Miller also stuck to matters musical, jogging to the podium to One Love and, in true selector fashion, indicating when Buju Banton's Untold Stories should be played.

Miller was in a no-nonsense mood, but was still not confrontational and at many points hilarious ("If you will turn to Isaiah Laing 42," he said to laughter) as he reminded those in charge of the production and dissemination of music at every stage of their responsibility.

"I challenge us to give reggae a fresh start. Some of what I hear is encouraging," Miller said.

Powerful tool

But for those who are falling short of the mark, Miller said, "you have a powerful tool in your hands and you don't give children razor blade to play with." He spoke about the effect that some kinds of music is having on children, asking what they are being given to think about before they go to bed.

Because of those thoughts, many do not go to the shop on the plaza anymore, "they go to 'Rompin' Shop'".

He said that reggae should satisfy the needs of a 21st-century world, among them hope, unity and love.

Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Olivia Grange said "celebrating Reggae Month could not have come at a more opportune time, as the world recently witnessed the inauguration of a black man to the presidency of United States of America. It is also a month traditionally accepted in Jamaica as Black History Month. February is also a month that popular reggae icons Bob Marley and Dennis Brown were born. Reggae is certainly February, February is reggae".

Clyde McKenzie and Tommy Cowan read lessons, with producer Donovan Germaine and members of the Sting production team also attending.