CHANGE

CONTROVERSIAL

HARDCORE

AGGRESSIVE

NO-NONSENSE

GOSPEL

EXPRESSION

In 1985, CHANGE emerged on the scene, a reggae gospel band bringing a major challenge to the churched and unchurched in Jamaica. Twenty-five years later the KW Magazine has a chat with Founding Director Patrick Kitson, when they are in the middle of preparing for a RETURN Concert which has been ‘Covidized’.

The founding members of CHANGE were Patrick Kitson Jamaica (Founder and Leader, vocals and guitar) Rohan Reid (Bass Guitar & vocals), Mark James (Keyboards & vocals), LLoyd Geddes (drums) and Henry Morrison (vocals and percussion. On lead vocals was the only female member ever of the Band, Merle Gayle.

The name CHANGE was chosen because the male founding members were members of another Gospel Group - INSIGHTS GOSPEL GROUP - so this was a change. Patrick Kitson suggested the name CHANGE and it was accepted. Later on they developed an acronym for the word CHANGE: C-controversial H-hardcore A- aggressive N-no nonsense G- Gospel E-expression. Their delivery was just as their name suggested.

When asked about his earliest musical influences, Kitson replied: “I can mention the Groups of the 70s with some wicked harmony arrangements. The grooves of the Disco era with those groovy basslines and rhythm guitars of Nile Rodgers of Chic and Earth Wind and Fire. Reggae influences are many and strong. Out front though is the King, Bob Marley, Third World, Steel Pulse and Native.”

The response of the Jamaican Church to CHANGE was varied, pretty much as it is today; some liked it and some didn’t. But as the words of one of Patrick’s songs titled Ain’t Giving Up says: “I’ve been discouraged so many times, but all these discouragements I left behind. I don’t care what the people they say.” Kitson affirms: “This song was definitely influenced by the negative responses.”

KW asked: Why did you choose reggae music?

Patrick’s simple response: Reggae was chosen as our music of choice simply, because as Jamaican Christian Band it wasn’t up for a debate.

KW: Which song had the greatest impact on the group?

Kitson: I believe the songs ‘Take the Lord in your life’ and ‘We have a Message’ had the greatest impact on the Band.

KW: And on the public?

Kitson: ‘Take the Lord in Your Life’ was very popular with the public as it was the closing song of a Popular Afternoon Radio Show on IRIE FM, and was also played on a Midday Show on the same Station.

KW: Is there a particular age group that responded to your music?

Kitson: Oh yes ..there were High School, College and University students then, who are still sharing their journey with CHANGE even today. Many folks still talk about their parents taking them to see CHANGE in Concert.

KW: Do you think that same age group will respond now? What is your expectation?

Kitson: I am expecting to see a wide cross section of today’s musicians who only heard of CHANGE but have never seen or heard them in performance. Not to mention those committed supporters over the years at home and abroad.

KW: What was your most memorable performance and why?

Kitson: Many performances were memorable. Of course, the CD / Album Launch at Holy Childhood’s Stephanie Hall in 1996. The

audience stood from the word go and never sat. White River Reggae Bash alongside Inner Circle, who recently celebrated 50 years. This was an awesome ministry. I have to mention a performance we did at Mandeville’s Cecil Charlton Hall. The audience was small but very appreciative. We sang all the songs in our catalogue and they were still asking for more. We managed to perform the last song and then wi done! No more! The audience stayed behind and just talked to us...OMG...awesome!

KW: Did you use the Jamaican language in any of your songs? Why or why not? Would you use it now?

Kitson: Oh yes, we will, or should I say, I will continue to use the Jamaican Language ina di sang dem we mi write. More so the new ones.

KW: What would you like to see in the Jamaican Music Community or in the Church musically?

Kitson: I would love to hear more of the songs being sung in Jamaican Churches being done with some serious Reggae rhythms backa dem.

KW: Tell us about your upcoming return to the stage. Why are you doing it? Are the same artists going to be there or has there been some ‘change’?

Kitson: The last time CHANGE performed was in 1999 (20yrs ago) and demand for a performance has been coming at us from all angles. A RETURN not a REUNION was planned for 12th October 2020 but it has been COVID-19ed. This Concert would feature New and Old personnel performing New and Old songs. All I can promise is that, it’s gonna be really good. “Memba me told yuh!”

KW: WE! CAN’T! WAIT!!