Nigel Lewis & Sound Mind | Light Up The Darkness
Nigel Lewis & Sound Mind | Light Up the Darkness
By Peggy Oliver
When
Nigel Lewis first made major noise on the music scene, he was dubbed
the “party vocalist of the year” in his native Trinidad and Tobago for
his contributions to the southern Caribbean’s popular ragga soca genre –
where traditional soca beats clashes with DJ-flavored dancehall reggae.
Though Lewis always felt a deep joy witnessing his audiences fully
embracing the music, his lyrical skills were just as convicting. From
writing a song that influenced changes in his hometown of Togo’s poverty
issues to spreading the gospel of Christ, Lewis has always taken his
gift seriously. His skills and talent were inspired by his musically
inclined parents, and the power of music became his own solace dealing
with those political hardships growing up. Through his childhood years,
Lewis developed his craft without formal training. For those who thrive
upon the Caribbean Carnival festive spirit, The Chronicles of Nigel Lewis captures his ‘Road March King’ days.
Now
based in Miami Gardens, Florida, he invites people to another party
atmosphere with more of a spiritual nature. While praise and worship are
close to Lewis’ heart, he continues to write about pressing issues;
such as the title track from Unlock the Block focusing on those who are denied voting rights and a track off the It’s Me Again
EP – “Black White Tan” – addressing loving those of all different
colors. The multi Marlin Award nominee (the equivalent of the Stellar
Awards) signature pieces – “Movin’ and “Follow the Leader” – are
featured on numerous compilations, singles, Unlock the Block in 2006 and The Chronicles of Nigel Lewis (2008). “Follow The Leader” is also a part of Light Up The Darkness,
Lewis’ latest project backed by his band Sound Mind. This generous
helping of eighteen bouncy and contagious praise tracks first issued in
2009 represents a big cross section of Caribbean genres; from dancehall
and roots reggae to the exhilarating soca pulse that etched Lewis into a
household name.
based in Miami Gardens, Florida, he invites people to another party
atmosphere with more of a spiritual nature. While praise and worship are
close to Lewis’ heart, he continues to write about pressing issues;
such as the title track from Unlock the Block focusing on those who are denied voting rights and a track off the It’s Me Again
EP – “Black White Tan” – addressing loving those of all different
colors. The multi Marlin Award nominee (the equivalent of the Stellar
Awards) signature pieces – “Movin’ and “Follow the Leader” – are
featured on numerous compilations, singles, Unlock the Block in 2006 and The Chronicles of Nigel Lewis (2008). “Follow The Leader” is also a part of Light Up The Darkness,
Lewis’ latest project backed by his band Sound Mind. This generous
helping of eighteen bouncy and contagious praise tracks first issued in
2009 represents a big cross section of Caribbean genres; from dancehall
and roots reggae to the exhilarating soca pulse that etched Lewis into a
household name.
The initial single off Light Up The Darkness,
“Jesus Team” – composed by Soca veteran Edghill Thomas, motivates those
Christian soldiers in a bass bumping experience that marching bands
could step to: “Many are called, chosen are few.” “Jesus Team” is also
available in an electro funk remix beckoning the days of Afrika
Bambaataa &The Soulsonic Force. Lewis invites several guests to Light Up The Darkness;
some who are familiar to the Caribbean gospel world. “Good Time Praise”
pretty much exemplifies the soca praise zone as fellow Florida native
Roger George joins in call and response verses that Lewis utilizes
frequently. Jamaican born Ewart ‘2nd Chance’ Blake continues
the party on “Never Stop.” Elder Connail Johnson, a pastor and
contemporary gospel recording artist from Lewis’ current hometown of
Miami Gardens. takes the solo microphone for the dancehall-induced,
“Praise Him” (also found on Johnsons’ disc That Was Then, This Is Now).
“Remember When,” an encouraging piece reminding Christians that Jesus
is always there when they are down in the dumps, gives the powerful
roots/dancehall vocalist out of Bermuda, Troy Anthony a chance to shine.
Another unsung reggae gospel stylist from California, Lynette White,
lends her soulful alto on a Sounds of Blackness classic, “Hold On
(Change is Coming).”
“Jesus Team” – composed by Soca veteran Edghill Thomas, motivates those
Christian soldiers in a bass bumping experience that marching bands
could step to: “Many are called, chosen are few.” “Jesus Team” is also
available in an electro funk remix beckoning the days of Afrika
Bambaataa &The Soulsonic Force. Lewis invites several guests to Light Up The Darkness;
some who are familiar to the Caribbean gospel world. “Good Time Praise”
pretty much exemplifies the soca praise zone as fellow Florida native
Roger George joins in call and response verses that Lewis utilizes
frequently. Jamaican born Ewart ‘2nd Chance’ Blake continues
the party on “Never Stop.” Elder Connail Johnson, a pastor and
contemporary gospel recording artist from Lewis’ current hometown of
Miami Gardens. takes the solo microphone for the dancehall-induced,
“Praise Him” (also found on Johnsons’ disc That Was Then, This Is Now).
“Remember When,” an encouraging piece reminding Christians that Jesus
is always there when they are down in the dumps, gives the powerful
roots/dancehall vocalist out of Bermuda, Troy Anthony a chance to shine.
Another unsung reggae gospel stylist from California, Lynette White,
lends her soulful alto on a Sounds of Blackness classic, “Hold On
(Change is Coming).”
Every once in awhile, Lewis slows down the musical pace on Light Up The Darkness
with two precious roots reggae tracks. “He’s Amazing,” a simple worship
tune, drops a very colorful percussive collage. Lewis’ daughter Jackie
Lewis is spotlighted on “My Everything” with a killer smooth female
harmonies reminiscent of old school R&B.
with two precious roots reggae tracks. “He’s Amazing,” a simple worship
tune, drops a very colorful percussive collage. Lewis’ daughter Jackie
Lewis is spotlighted on “My Everything” with a killer smooth female
harmonies reminiscent of old school R&B.
“Carnival
Praise” begins in a mellow mood before the fierce Soca rhythms and
elegant background choir take over our praise minds. As expected, Lewis
provides other jubilant soca moments for the listening and praise
pleasure; from an updated perspective of his trademark, “Follow the
Leader 09” to the Isley Brothers gospel flavored R&B smash “Jump” –
the latter with some lyrical tweaking.
Praise” begins in a mellow mood before the fierce Soca rhythms and
elegant background choir take over our praise minds. As expected, Lewis
provides other jubilant soca moments for the listening and praise
pleasure; from an updated perspective of his trademark, “Follow the
Leader 09” to the Isley Brothers gospel flavored R&B smash “Jump” –
the latter with some lyrical tweaking.
The
closing track, “Empty Me,” an extremely popular staple in many church
services today, is an attempt to stretch from his usual Caribbean roots
to Christian pop. The vocal performances from Bryan Meadows and Lewis
are well meaning, yet the arrangement does not offer any refreshing
melodic twists to Jeremy Camp’s original. Otherwise, Light Up The Darkness
effectively combines Lewis’ pure love of the Lord and an uplifting
musical vibe that proudly celebrates Caribbean music culture.
closing track, “Empty Me,” an extremely popular staple in many church
services today, is an attempt to stretch from his usual Caribbean roots
to Christian pop. The vocal performances from Bryan Meadows and Lewis
are well meaning, yet the arrangement does not offer any refreshing
melodic twists to Jeremy Camp’s original. Otherwise, Light Up The Darkness
effectively combines Lewis’ pure love of the Lord and an uplifting
musical vibe that proudly celebrates Caribbean music culture.
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene