Trinidad and Tobago’s First-Ever Gospel All-Inclusive A Massive Success

New York, NY – Trinidad and Tobagonian Gospel reggae artist Joel “Positive” Murray celebrated his seven-year journey in music at Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever Gospel all-inclusive extravaganza, Chapter 7 – Blessing After Blessing, on Saturday, November 9, 2013 in Diego Martin, Trinidad. Backed by his ultra-talented Signature Band, Positive guided the avid audience through his entire catalog, touching on his versatile sounds and songs ranging from traditional Gospel classics to reggae and dancehall-influenced gems, making for a more contemporary and modern take on Gospel, for which he is known. The night was supported by other local Gospel acts including Isaac Blackman, Rizon, Sean Daniel and J Prince, each performing on tracks with a DJ, leading up to the headlining, live-band performance from Positive, providing the sold-out crowd with an unforgettable and glorious experience of non-stop singing and dancing throughout the balmy Caribbean night.

Attendees of the first-ever Gospel all-inclusive were treated to a vast array of native cuisine that included fresh doubles, corn soup, roti, various chicken and fish dishes, and local libations such as virgin guava daiquiris, as they bore witness to the ministry and music from Positive and friends. This showcase served as an introduction of Trinidad and Tobago’s Gospel reggae music industry to media, government officials, the business sector and advertising industry, and fans alike, all of whom were in attendance. Gaining international media attention with his current album Forever My King (released last December from FOX FUSE), Positive was joined by Billboard Magazine journalist Patricia Meschino, who journeyed to Trinidad to cover this auspicious occasion. One highlight of the night was when Positive invited Meschino on stage to properly introduce her to the audience and thank her for what’s she is doing for Caribbean music, and now Gospel reggae.

The event kicked off with red-carpet arrivals and media interviews led by Tempo, a promienent Caribbean-wide television channel. Tempo-TV host Jamie Thomas, also Program Director of one of Trinidad’s top-rated radio stations The Word 107.1 FM, conducted interviews with Positive, Meschino and FOX FUSE owners Zack Cohen and Rhona Fox, who were also on hand to celebrate with Positive in his homeland. Positive, Meschino and the FOX FUSE team were all interviewed on Trinidad radio, speaking on the impact Positive is having on the Gospel reggae genre. They were interviewed by Thomas and DJ Christ Child, live in studio during the coveted Friday rush-hour slot. They also appeared on Red 96.7 FM during the same time slot, speaking with Scientist Carter and DJ Isso while Positive debuted his latest single, “Blessing After Blessing,” live on the air.

“Chapter 7 was ground-breaking and amazingly classy… a next level in music and ministry,” states Thomas. “I have attended hundreds of events all across the region and in the U.S. but this event rivaled the best of them. Wonderful food and ambiance, excellent music and the message was clear – this is Gospel music at its best and its here to stay.” The Word 107.1FM is Trinidad and Tobago’s first Gospel radio station and is currently ranked #3 out of the 36 official radio stations there, an utterly amazing feat and accomplishment for Gospel reggae in the Trinidadian music landscape, which until now has catered primarily to soca.
Chapter 7 – Blessing After Blessing has special meaning to the artist, who was the architect of this concept-driven event. Aside from it being a grand all-inclusive event, Chapter 7 was geared towards providing fans of Positive with an up close and personal experience. From the purchasing of tickets to final curtain call, Positive and the Signature Band aimed to ensure fans were treated with excellent service, care and consideration. “The Chapter 7 event itself surpassed my expectations,” reveals Positive. “The food was not just good but excellent, the ambiance was great and even until today, good reviews are still coming in. We raised the standard of events at Chapter 7. Gospel reggae will live on and we will continue to represent it.”

Positive has been enjoying a prolific year, which was fueled with the release of his sophomore album, Forever My King, during last holiday season. The album has sold over 2000 physical copies, a huge accomplishment for any Caribbean release, and has sustained consistent digital sales each month, to date. His latest single from that album, “Let Me Be The One” featuring Nikki Rymple, recently scored a coveted premiere on music’s premiere digital channel, VEVO, and has racked up over 15,000 views worldwide, thus far.