Guyanese Ramon Dummett is growing into a mini-institution on the island of Barbados, but it is the kind of fame he takes no credit for, saying instead that Christ has lifted him up and continues to “take him to the unreachable places”.
Call it his resolve and passion to live for Christ, as well as the need for him to share the word with anyone who has a few minutes to spare. Dummett’s fervour has sparked interest so enviable people on the island have asked, “What’s his secret?”
In an online interview with The Scene, Dummett spoke openly about where his passion has taken him and why he has decided to take on music in the way that he has. Gospel is a big part of everything that he does and he reveals that anyone who knows him understands just how much.
Dummett grew up in a fairly large family of devout Christians on the East Coast Demerara and throughout his young life has embraced that life, celebrated it and believed that his purpose in life is to share the goodness of it with others. Even in secondary school when it could sometimes be tough for a young man to be “too religious” Dummett stuck to what he knew and grew up believing in, leading the way in biblical classes and gospel music revivals at his alma mata President’s College.
Barbados is now his home and in addition to having the company, he has a Christian studio. So far the albums that have been released by Bloodwash records have all done well, receiving tremendous support in the Caribbean region and now getting airplay in the US.
Dummett said Bloodwash has been approached by two popular record companies in the US for distribution. He said that Bloodwash Records and Avista Records of the USA have recently signed a distribution for the album ‘Bloodwash Vibes Vol 1’, while pointing to the success the album has had in countries such as St Lucia, St Kitts, of course Barbados and now the US. The album was officially launched on May 23 last year.
He said they have had numerous local hits on Gospel 97.5 on the island namely, “Worship Is” and “Free” by artiste Arnal Goslin called ‘Gozzy’, who is signed to Bloodwash records; “Father I Love You” by Golden Vessels, another signed Bloodwash artiste; “Real Real Christian” by Neil Crichlow; “Father I Worship You” by Jude Clarke; and “Not Ashamed” by Bruddahood International.
Also, they have had success in Guyana with hits such as “Soldier Code” by Mr Militant, a signed Bloodwash artiste. Dummett said the record label is planning a tour to Guyana with its artistes and possibly a few guest artistes some time later this year.
But even with all that Dummett considers the album’s greatest accomplishment to date as being the impact it has had on people, “the amount of lives that we have been able to touch, encourage and influence positively”.
He pointed out that the company has been in existence for some four years, and that the label has grown from a tiny bedroom studio to one that now officially has two signed Gospel Reggae/Dancehall artistes so far, and which specializes in music creation and arrangements for music artistes, commercials, sound-tracks and albums.
Dummett spoke of the vision of his team while underscoring that the success of the label has depended solely on the people who work “tirelessly everyday”. He said that they hope to disciple artistes for ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ and to impact the nations of the earth with the gospel through the powerful medium of music.
But they are not just looking to sign anyone. The record label is looking for artistes who are capable and who have experience in their chosen instrument or vocal competence, and also who have involvement in a church community.
More recently, Bloodwash Records partnered with musician Paul Murrell to contribute four tracks to the much acclaimed ‘Reggae Baje Volume 2’ album featuring top reggae artistes from throughout Barbados. These tracks are namely “Come Away” sung by Daniel, “Higher Level” sung by Sister Kay featuring Mikie General, “Simple Man” sung by Ras Ali and “Perfect Match” sung by Omar.
Two of the artistes signed with the company so far have testimonies posted on its website at www.bloodwashvibes.com. The singer who goes by the name Mr Militant, age 27 years, talks about going from a life of sexual addiction and alcoholism to a life of purity. He now spreads the message of abstinence in song and by his lifestyle.
After turning to God following the death of his 19-year-old brother, Mr Militant admits that one of the hardest struggles for him was to forsake his promiscuous sexual lifestyle.
“One of the first things God dealt with in my life was cleansing me and preparing me for my future… before I got saved I thought living a promiscuous life and having multiple relationships was the way to go but now living a life of purity has an immeasurably satisfying feeling. When you trust in the Lord, he can free you of any burdens and show you a better life,” the singer said.
Songwriter, singer and musician, Arnal Goslin ‘Gozzy’ has been involved in the music ministry from the age of 16 and recently signed onto Bloodwash. He believes that his gospel reggae/ R&B ministry is catered to challenging Christians and the unsaved to know and experience the fullness of God by delivering the Word of God in song.
His goal is to take this message that God’s Word is Life throughout the region and the world.
(ianaseales@yahoo.com)
