Gerald Gravesande is all about spreading the gospel through music. A singer/songwriter, who goes by the stage name ‘Double G’, Gerald has been ministering professionally through music for seven years, but his love for the ministry and music has been part of him since he was a child.
A Dancehall Gospel artiste, Gerald said this genre is unique when it comes to Gospel music, but he is more concerned with reaching the youths in his community and Dancehall seems the best way to connect with them and to connect them to his God.
Gerald, the third of four children, two boys, two girls, grew up in a God-fearing home in Linden. Though the family was busy with school and work, his parents ensured that they had time for God. On Saturday mornings, they had family devotions and on Sundays they went to church.
His father kept them on a tight leash that prevented Gerald straying from the family’s principles and saw him and his other siblings remaining family oriented. However, he said, his father’s strictness both positively and negatively impacted his life, explaining that while strict principles kept him on a steadfast path for most of the time, it prevented him from doing much exploring as a youth.
When he was 13, Gerald hoped for a closer walk with God and chose to be baptized. This gave him a hunger to be more involved in church activities.
The singer went from hitting on tins in his backyard to learning to play the drums, singing in church, and getting involved in youth activities. An ardent member of the South Amelia’s Ward Graceland Wesleyan Church, Gerald said it has given him much exposure in both ministry and music.
“I started singing following my baptism. I believe that there is so much I can use my platform to do. The message may not be for everybody, but it must be for somebody,” he said.
By the time he was 18, Gerald had found a new passion – writing songs. He began to do so with a friend of his who later went his way, but music and ministry were all the singer ever wanted.
Asked whether English was always his strong suit, Gerald admitted that it was even while he was a student at the Linden Foundation Secondary School. After he completed secondary school, Gerald went on to pursue a certificate in electrical insulation at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI).
Of the average 100 songs he has written, Gerald has recorded and released about 30. Songwriting inspirations, he shared, come at any time in the day. Sometimes he could be caught up on a job – he does construction – when the lyrics for a song come to mind. He simply stops what he is doing for a minute and records the lyrics on his phone. Later, when he gets home, he puts pen to paper.
Back in July, Gerald completed “Never Know”, a song inspired by the pandemic. “The song talks about the wrath of God that has come upon mankind. The song tells people to get their act together and repent because this could be the beginning of something catastrophic. We need to be in tune with all that’s happening and ready for when our Lord and Saviour is going to put in his appearance,” he said.
Most of his songs have been recorded at Code Red Records in Linden, a recording studio run by producer Jamal Alexander better known as ‘J. Lyrics’. Meanwhile, videos were done for two of his songs: “Lord Have Your Way” (video done by Dexter Copeland) and “Win City” (video done by Epic Media). “Win City”, he said, came about as a result of Amelia’s Ward sometimes being referred to as ‘Sin City’. But for Gerald, his community has produced so many great people despite the circumstances, he is certain that the people there can still win whatever they set out to. A video for his song, “Never Know”, is currently in the works.
Music in ministry, the singer said, is important, explaining that the art is powerful and reminds him of the quote “music can tame a savage beast” or words to that effect.
“Dancehall music is unique. The first time I heard of this kind of music, I think it was from Kester D. Internationally, it was Papa San and DJ Nicholas. The reason I do Dancehall music, is because of the environment I live in. I find that the people here would gravitate towards this genre and my ministry would be more of an impact on them,” Gerald said.
He has performed at numerous events and shared the stage with some famous Gospel artistes like Tasha Cobbs, Samuel Medas, Saiku, Edward Neblett and Lion Cub.
Currently, the songwriter is working on another song called “We Need A Revival” featuring local artiste, Randy Gonsalves. It is in the Soca genre and will be his second such release; this is expected to be done on Monday.
He is also working on a project dubbed the ‘Heavenly Rhythm Production’. Though one rhythm, the project will be an album comprising original Gospel songs featuring largely debut artistes. This album is slated to be released later this month.
Currently, the youth leader at his church, Gerald preaches from time to time or more specifically, every month there is a fifth Sunday.
The singer, along with two other members of his church, also participate in what they call ‘Open Air’ where they would walk through the streets of different communities around the mining town, preaching. Asked how impactful this project is, the singer said he could not attest to how many people were touched by the message but was sure some were inspired enough to visit the church nearest to them. He said some had has also visited his church as a result of Open Air.
Gerald tries his best to make his music as biblically oriented as possible instead of just “putting lyrics together”. In doing so, he helps others to better understand that the present situation of the world is not forever, he explained, but there is a better place being prepared for them if only they accept the Word of God and prepare for a new world.
Asked about the challenges he faces in the music business, Gerald said it can be difficult to get airplay for one’s music mostly because Gospel is not so much the preference for listeners and viewers. He added, however, that he has noticed that more local songs are being played on the radio.
Gerald is currently working on the completion of his house where he hopes to also have a recording studio attached. The singer explained that he has come to learn that his fellow church members are under a lot of pressure when recording at local studios. His studio, he noted, will provide a more comfortable space for church-goers. It will also be open to other up and coming artistes who are not a member of any church but would still like to record their music. “This is my way of creating a platform and arena for the youths. I plan on bringing instruments in the studio so persons can learn the keyboard and drums,” he shared.
Gerald’s passion for being a light in his community does not stop at his music or preaching but lends to social media also. Every morning Gerald makes a short post on his Facebook page, which he hopes will motivate and encourage those who see it.
A husband and father of two children, Gerald said his family is among his biggest supporters along with his sister, his church family and some of his close friends.
His songs can be found on YouTube and Facebook at Double G. He can also be followed on Facebook at Gerald Gravesande.
