Jason Beaton spends a lot of his time these days travelling across Guyana singing at gospel concerts. It’s a far cry from his rebellious teenage days when he became a member of a gang.
Now 23, Jason is not afraid to talk about his past and to sing and speak about how his faith in God has changed him.
Originally from Reliance on the Esse-quibo Coast, Jason now lives in the small village of Hauraruni on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway where he has sharpened his musical skills. Going by the stage name ‘Radikal-One’, Jason is now spreading the message of Jesus, through dancehall rhythms.
When not singing or writing songs, Jason is probably repairing computers or cutting someone’s hair. He’s currently enrolled at Global Technology pursuing further studies in Information Technology. But clearly Jason’s passion right now is spreading positive messages through his music.
The Scene caught up with Jason and he shared a bit about his life and music.
TS: Tell us about your life as a gang member.
JB: I became a member of a gang during my late teenage years. My life was really messed up. My parents were pastors, but I rejected the Christian teaching I had received growing up. I was being a bad example to youths and also embarrassing my parents. I really wasn’t at peace; I was doing wrong and thinking it was right. But through it all, God had a plan.
TS: What made you change?
JB: It’s strange but one day, one of the members of the gang came up to me and said ‘Bro how can you be a pastor son and doing the wrong?’ That really impacted me. Right there God started to talk to me and from that moment the change began to take place in my life. I repented of my sins and asked God to come into my life again.
TS: What prompted your desire to become a gospel singer?
JB: I had the desire to sing since I was a little child. I loved music. But the real push to become a gospel artiste came from my brother-in-law David Yasin, better known as ‘Solid Youth’. He really encouraged me and gave me all the advice I needed.
TS: How many albums have you completed so far?
JB: I began singing seriously around 2008. So far I did a pre-release called ‘Radikal-One Nah Compromise’. And I’ll be going to Jamaica this year for the second album called ‘Radikal Redemption’. I’m also signed with St Matthew Readyback records label in Jamaica.
TS: So why the name Radikal-One?
JB: I got the name from my brother-in-law. Also I believe I have a radical voice in Jesus name; one meant to change lives, bring joy to the oppressed and to win souls for the kingdom.
TS: Where do you see your music going?
JB: I believe God has sent me on a mission to reach the world and in Him I will succeed. The Bible says “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all His righteousness and everything will be added to you.”
TS: Who are your greatest musical influences?
JB: I like lots of singers, but my greatest musical influences are: Solid Youth, Jamaican gospel singer St Matthew and Mr Lynx, another gospel singer, out of the Bahamas.
