'Let it Rain' launches in Jamaica

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

After performing as back up vocalist for Jamaican gospel artistes such as Goddy Goddy, Abigail Hamilton has walked into the spotlight with the launch of her debut album, Let It Rain.

The album, with most of the songs written by Linton Atkinson, Hamilton's manager, boasts some insightful titles such as Still Working on Me, Gravity, Theatre of Dreams and the up-tempo, easy-to-sing-along-to Good Morning Jesus Christ.

The musical genre varies from gospel blues to hardcore reggae like Standing, featuring Goddy Goddy. All the songs speak of hope and the power of Jesus.

Meaningful venue

The launch of the album took place on Friday at the Boulevard Church Of The Nazarene, located on Auburn Road, Kingston 20.

It was there that the 20-year-old singing sensation found the Lord as well. She was an active member of that church before she migrated to the United States of America.

Hamilton explained that she chose to launch her album in Jamaica because it is "the country of my birth and I want to say thank you to the people who have supported me over the years".

The 'Album Celebration Party' was marked by a spirited praise and worship, prayers of blessing for Hamilton, video presentations, a sleuth of artistes and a fantastic performance of some of the songs on the 12-track set.

Before performing Because He Lives, Hamilton told the congregation that she co-wrote the song in tribute to her older brother, who died from a heart attack.

Wiping away tears, Hamilton said the death of her brother left her depressed.

After performing the song, she presented a copy of her album to her brother's mother and said "the only way to overcome is to give it to God".

On that note, she segued into the more up-tempo I Got a Man followed by Standing, a reggae track.

Nadine Blair and Jamaica Cultural Development Commission gospel finalist Ancient Priest were among those who stopped by to share in the moment.

'Beautiful' album

Ancient Priest gave a creditable performance and Blair described the album as beautiful.

But the most effective speech came from Linton Atkinson who, after relating the story of how he met Hamilton and how that meeting led to the launch of an album, told the gathering that a gospel artiste must "respect yourself (that way, you will respect the God in you), respect craft and, finally, respect people (those who support you)".

And as he encouraged members of the congregation to purchase copies of the album, he told them, "No burning of the CD, Christians do not burn."

The music video for the songs I'ma Let It Rain and I Won't Move were also shown.

Both were demonstrations of professionalism and well executed.

There will be a second launch of Let it Rain on September 19, at Beulah Church of Nazarene, Brooklyn. Guided by 1st Timothy 4:10, Hamilton plans to take the album wherever God leads her.

The Merl Grove High School graduate is already making some progress, as she has been nominated Best Gospel Artiste of the Year, in the Kingdom Choice Award to be held in October, and for Female Artiste of the Year in the Texas-based ENSOUND Award.