Official Bio

HMSS His Majesty's Sound System is made up of primarily 4 key individuals, namely: Redbeard, Fingers, Booma and Crazy Rick. The ministry is under the umbrella ministry of Urban Mission http://www.urbanmission.co.uk headed up by M.O.D Calvary Chapel South London. We are a dancehall sound system sharing the Gospel through the medium of Reggae music. If you go to Japan to share the Gospel first learn Japanese! Communication...thats all it is.
We can be hired for private functions and outreaches including our rig. We do not make any profit or put money in our pockets. All money we make goes back into the ministry.
Redbeard has played 'sound' since he was about 14, playing Reggae on various sound systems including Taste of Paradise, Love TKO and the UK's number one sound Lord Gelly. All secular sounds. After realizing what it meant to be a Christian, to follow Jesus with complete surrender Redbeard gave up sound, He had a tour planned in Jamaica and had his mind set on big things. But the conviction was too real in his heart, he called all the members of Lord Gelly's and told them he was going to put God first in his life. He subsequently sold all his record collection and turntables, nothing was left that might draw him away from the Lord.

A year earlier a guy had come into Redbeard's shop to hire some speakers and they got talking, the guy was called Robert and rapped in a Christian group called M.O.D. The week after Redbeard's conviction to follow Jesus, Robert came back into the shop (a year later) to say hello. They exchanged numbers and Redbeard started going to the bible study that Robert (aka Pilgrim) and 2 friends ran. Eventually Redbeard started selecting backing tracks for M.O.D and joining them on mission trips, it was a humbling experience especially when visiting America where everyone expected 'the DJ' to be cuttin and scratching. Serving M.O.D was the beginings of what eventually became HMSS. Robert came up with the name 'His Majesty's Sound System' HMSS was born. The key to this sound system becoming an effective vessel of the Lord was patience, waiting on the Lord. Redbeard played the sound mainly producing mix CD's on his own for about two years, then 'Fingers' joined Redbeard on the sound set up at church and eventually joined HMSS. Fingers used to own a sound before he was saved and started playing sound back in the 80's. Fingers has proved to be one of the most reliable sound men in the history of sound systems! Allways early and ready to string up with a real gift at mixing down. At an event in a church in Camberwell (South London) Redbeard met Booma. Booma is a Gospel DJ who mixes live on his lap top as well as the CDJ's, Booma used to play sound in his home country of Jamaica and grew up in the church, quite some time after thier first meeting Booma was invited to join HMSS and M.O.D at the outreach they lead at London's Notting Hill carnival. Booma smashed the place with his unique style of playing and dancing. Finally to complete the team we bring you 'Crazy Rick'! Crazy used to also play on Lord Gelly's sound along with Redbeard, the two actually having a big argument and not getting on back in the world and the last two people anyone would think of to run a Christian sound! Crazy made a decision to follow Christ and to leave the world of fame and Sound System and knew he was playing his last Carnival and as he walked away he did not look back! At the launch of HMSS Crazy was invited to hold the mic. Following an invitation to play on bbc1xtra Redbeard invited Crazy Rick and Booma to join him. The rest is history!

Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com

Exclusive Interview with Redbeard from HMSS Regarding "Double Trouble" (Posted 5/25/06

We've seen the explosion in Dancehall over the past few years. It seems that almost every known mainstream artist is fusing the syncopated Dancehall beat into their tracks. Fans of Reggae music know the Diwali, the Buy Out and even the Tabernacle riddim well. The hunger for Riddim driven CDs have been heard the world over, and Producer Dwayne Tryumf and His Majesty's Sound System Selector Redbeard desire to satisfy this hunger pang.

Although busy in preparing and touching up the "Double Trouble" Compilation, set to be released within a few months, Redbeard sat down with Gospel Reggae Dot Com to talk about the album, himself and Gospel Reggae music in general.

GR: Tell us a little about HMSS and how it came about.

RB: H.M.S.S was started by M.O.D (Crossmovement UK) after fellowshipping with the guys and supporting them as their DJ the Lord opened opportunity for us to play out at parties and outreach events. After prayer and much deliberation I realized it was totally from God and this was the mission set before me. I constantly take it back to the Lord and ask is this what you want me to do. And He returns with evidence of how He is using the ministry of H.M.S.S. The sound truly is His Majesty's Sound not mine! M.O.D became pastors of Calvary Chapel South London and took that pastoral role over the sound and under that guidance we operate. I grow up in the Reggae environment and that's the people I left behind drowning when I got save, so I understand why the Lord has put it on my heart to go back for them.
If you go to Japan to share the Gospel you better first learn Japanese, same way if we are taking the Gospel to the culture of dancehall we better speak the appropriate language. It does not mean we have to compromise and play secular artists or encourage drink and herb, but we bring it Godly! The vision is to support artists, hold ticketed events paying artists etc and host free outreach events co-laboring with artists and promoters etc. We also produce 'sound' CD's and 'Jugglin' CD's and send them all over the world from our web site http://www.hmss.org they have gone as far as Iraq and Costa Rica!

GR: How did you get started in "Gospel Reggae" music?

RB: I was playing for a big sound in the world when I got save, and after my conviction I sold all my records and equipment and put sound down for good! But after a period sitting at Jesus feet, He laid it on my heart to start this ministry. I question it often and take it back to Him and He continues to confirm that this is His will.

GR: Tell us a little about your testimony.

RB: I was deep in the Rasta faith, and I heard a teacher Les Isaacs was going to teach in some place up town. My mum (a Christian) always told me about him because he was a Rasta turned Christian. To me he was a wolf in sheep clothing, I went alone to the meeting with the plan to rush the stage and expose him as a fraud. BUT during people's testimony each one was a piece of me, it reduced me to almost tears. I waited till the end so I could sneak out without anyone talking to me but all of a sudden a hand touched me on my shoulder, it was Les Isaac. He told me God told him to come talk to me, another Pastor came from the front and they prayed for me. It was like removing blinkers. I was saved! Or putting it better I was now on my process of salvation, I now knew the truth but I did not receive the conviction of my sin until about 4 years later.
One day in my DJ shop on the Old Kent road a man came to hire some speaker, he was a Pastor of a East London church. I took an immediate dislike to him and as he was leaving I told him I was a Christian, he asked me what church I went to, I explained I did not go to church as I play out every week. He was shocked and asked how I could be a Christian and be in the dancehall? I got vex and started defending myself 'how you can tell me where God send me?', 'Christ went to the sinners!' but during my protest the Holy Spirit convicted my heart. IF I was a follower of Jesus I needed to leave EVERYTHING behind. Sound came first above ALL things and I needed to lay it down. The next day I went to a church in New Cross and the Pastor said the same things through his message. I called each member of lord Gelly sound and told them I was quitting sound and putting God first in my life.

GR: What is Double Trouble?

RB: 'Double Trouble' is a compilation album of like minded artists who have a desire to share the Gospel through the medium of Dancehall music, it consists of 2 infectious riddims built by Dwayne Tryumf 'The High Priest' and 'The Golden Axe'.

GR: What gave birth to this compilation?

RB: The ministry set before me is to play 'Sound System' and straight away there was a problem. The way we play sound is 'jugglin', mixing many artists on the same riddim track to create a continuous vibe. The Christian artists were not sharing riddims, which meant that every album had different beats. One day I heard Riddim Invasion by LOJ and it all changed, but even with all their hard work it was not enough and my entire intention is to encourage the producers to follow suit. In 60 minutes I would juggle about 40 songs so at an outreach event especially carnival, that is a whole heap a tune!

GR: There are two riddims on this compilation, can you tell us a little about each one and how you chose the name for them?

RB: Tryumf built and named the riddims, he was responsible for the 'Incense riddim' which was released by Jet Star and was a massive hit in the UK and for those in the know across the globe. I asked him his reasoning for the names and he explained that he wanted to keep a biblical theme and the Incense referred to the burning on incense in the temple as an offering to God, The High Priest riddim was the follow up to that and named accordingly as it was the High Priest responsible for the offerings in the temple, and now Jesus as our High Priest. The Golden Axe is a bit deeper, in Scripture Gold is often a way to refer to Divinity, to God, and the Axe is a reflection of the root as talked about by John the Baptist in his ministry preparing the way.

GR: Tell us about Dwayne Tryumf, how did you start working with him?

RB: I have known Dwayne for a long time, when I first met him I complimented his coat, the next day I saw him he had a plastic bag with his coat in it and insisted on me having it! That's his heart right there. He recently started going to my church and I have been on his case to give me some riddims to do an album, one day he came in and gave me a bunch of riddims, I chose to use The High priest and Golden Axe first. Dwayne works with many artists as a producer and is a rapper as well, he can be found on myspace and makes videos of his music. He used to work as an engineer producer at Jet Star and has worked with many name brand reggae stars including people like Gregory Isaacs. He is a real humble softly spoken brother until he raps then it's all over! Truly an experience to witness Tryumf on stage, he is often involved in street ministry and always commands attention.


GR: What are your hopes for this compilation?

RB: My desire is to encourage the producers / record labels to make riddim albums and for artists to think about using the same riddims on their albums to bring about continuity (Obviously not every song on their album there has to be originality as well) also to promote the individual artists on it and to encourage others to use the gifts God has given them.

GR: Tell us a little about the project and the people that are on it.

RB: Double Trouble has come about through personal relationships mostly enabled through the Internet, all orchestrated by God. Like minded Christians with a heart to serve. It involves artists from around the world including well known and up and coming names. From the USA we have 'Mysta Oracle alongside Ronnel Benjamin', Trinidad brings us 'Tiko Angelos', Jamaica covers a big portion of the album with artists from 3 camps APS bring us 'Soul Inspirers', 'DJ Nana', 'Shadroc', 'Reve' and from Dizzle Lab we got 'Murphy' and 'D.A.Jay'. The final entry from Jamdown is the mighty 'Katalys Crew'.The UK brings Gamma, Denis Mclean and Omario. Other artists including the beautiful voice of Zeela Mac recorded for the album but files got corrupted and we were unable to re voice them. So I gotta shout them out same way. God knows what He is doing, it's all in His time!

GR: If there was anyone that you could work with (that you haven't worked with yet) whom would it be?

RB: I am waiting in anticipation to work with Singing D from the UK. He is one of reggae's finest singers. Apart from that I am only interested in working with people who share the same heart for ministry.

GR: Who are your influences?

RB: My biggest influence is Jesus and how He lived His life, Paul the apostle sets us a great example also. Musically stone Love sound has always inspired me and artists like Garnet silk, Bob Marley, Coca Tea, Bounty Killa, General Degree, Spragga Benz.

GR: What direction do you see Gospel Reggae moving in?

RB: It is moving in a positive direction I am very encouraged in what I see, as long as artists, promoters, managers etc stay focus and keep ministry away from business.

GR: What is in your CD player right now?
RB: Double Trouble Unmastered. ST Matthew - Street Disciple, Roots Gospel Vol 2 by KatsJam, teaching by Jacob Prasch on Jonah http://www.moriel.org

GR: What can people expect from you in the next few years?

RB: By Gods grace I am working on an album with Jah Servant, another riddim album but a singer's album. It will be BIG, I am getting UK artists like David Fisher, Denis Mclean, Howie Hutchinson to name but a few all to sing on it and we shall be joined by artists from Trinidad. One to look out for. We will continue to build the sound system and host outreach events. But all is according to God's will.


GR: You do a lot of outreach to the youth in the UK, what do you feel is one prevalent problem these young people face?

RB: Young people today live in an MTV culture, everything is about self. Happiness comes from sexing nuff people, having mad money and a phat ride. Of course we know that aint true. I think peer pressure is intense in these days and keeping your rep is worth dying over. One prevalent problem I see is the total breakdown of society and the family unit the way the Lord designed it, this is having a dramatic effect on our youth. Parents don't know how to be parents and children are missing out on the important factors that help shape their character, the cycle then continues with them having babies. So to put it in a nutshell the youth are lacking positive guidance and I don't mean 'You can do it' cheese, but real Biblical based guidance.

GR: If you can give advice to young people wanting to do a ministry similar to yours, what would it be?

RB: Jesus is God! Don't go by what you have grown up with to be truth, look and search for yourself, work out your own salvation with FEAR and TREMBLING! Before music must come God and your relationship with him. In the dancehall we used to call out 'all the people that love God flash yuh lighter!' EVERYONE would flash there lighter or put their hand up. But the bible says if you say you love God and hate your brother you are a LIAR! So you need to get in your bible and check scripture against scripture, study it in its text, co text and context! We are all sinners not one greater or lesser as a sinner, you cant bun fire pon a chi chi man or informer etc and you a sinner yourself...Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Find a church that feels right and study your bible. In regards to reggae music, well listen the lyric for yourself. Is the artist making sense? Does the lyrics line up with scripture? Would it offend God? This might not sound like advise or the answer to the question, but truss me it is the only answer. PUT GOD FIRST!

GR: There are many genres of music, but Reggae seems to be one of the few that has consistently and boldly incorporated spiritual lyrics and messages into its sound, why do you think Reggae has been so successful in blending the two?'
RB: Simply because of the oppressed people who make the music, rich people don't wanna hear about God or spiritual matters they are quite happy with how things are, they are wealthy and successful in life. The poor man on the other hand knows what it is to be hungry, to struggle and to have limited and in some cases no options for your future. Reggae music was born in Jamaica a country born from the slave trade, people from many nations now as one, still oppressed and even more so nowadays by America who have cut the throat of Jamaica. Through the music of Reggae, Jamaicans have been able to rise up and encourage one another, explore spirituality etc. Christianity is dominant in Jamaica and an accepted subject to talk and sing about, along with the popular Rastafarian faith many artists have found it easy to sing songs about spiritual matters. Bob Marley took things to another level becoming the most popular reggae artist in the world and a devout Rasta. The influence of Jamaica can be found in every country, Hip-Hop came from Jamaica via the experiences of DJ Kool Herc who grew up living in a dancehall, later moving to New York and imitating the two turntable set up he witnessed back home. Jamaica is a very special place and has had a great impact on the world musically.

When is the official release of the album and are you doing anything special for it?'
June 23rd! We are holding an album launch party at Bar Latino 48 Park Street, croydon, UK. Artists to perform include Tiko, Denis Mclean, Omario, Gamma and although not on the album Vanessa Briggs will be there as well. The event is free so come early to save getting turned away! Visit http://www.hmss.org for info.
Thank you Redbeard!

Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for this jam-packed compilation featuring some of the top artists from around the world.

====================================
Previous interview with GospelReggae.com

1. (GospelReggae.com) Tell us about yourself, where were you born and grow up, what your family is like, etc...

Redbeard: Grace and Peace, my name is Jason O'Shea aka Redbeard and I am going to answer the questions on behalf of the sound. I was born in Toronto, but came to live in South London as a baby. Since coming to the Lord my broken family has been reconciled, my sister Mo is a mighty woman of God raising my 3 very special nephews. My beautiful wife shares the same name as my sister, I have a prayer warrior as a mother and an older sister who I pray for daily. From my past I have two sons one is 15 and the other 12. God restores, trust! Check my testimony at http://www.hmss.moonfruit.com

2. (GospelReggae.com) Tell me, how did your name come about? Any obstacles with it--funny mispronunciations, etc…?

Redbeard: Pilgrim from M.O.D (Crossmovement) came up with the name, HMSS His Majesty's Sound System. I didnt like it at first but it quickly settled as the sound name and now I dont think any other name would of been right. My personal name 'Redbeard' came about from my days as a Rasta, I had lox and a big beard, my beard is red in the sun so people name me Redbeard. Vanessa Briggs called me Red BREAD, that was funny and Siani called me Red BIRD! My real name is Jason O'Shea.

3. (GospelReggae.com) If you could share the stage with any Christian or secular artist in the world (living or dead) who would it be?

Redbeard: It would be a real blessing to work with St. Matthew and Katay's Crew and... CHA! There is far too many to mention.

4. (GospelReggae.com) What were the last 5 CDs that you put in your disc changer?

Redbeard: Zeela Mac's promo CD, ST Matthew's 'Ready Back', Spanners new album, HMSS 'A New Sound Fi Dem' and a teaching CD with Pastor Robert teaching.

5. (GospelReggae.com) Read any good books lately?

Redbeard: 'No Compromise', a biography of Kieth Green. It's a banging book! I find it real hard to read books but I really related to this guys life story. It might evan inspire me to write an account of my life.

6. (GospelReggae.com) What is the best audience that you have ever played in front of?

Redbeard: I have to say that Carnival is still an amazing experience with 3 million people passing through over the space of two days, stringing up and playing outdoors is a great experience. The audience is almost captive and no one is expecting the message they are about to get hit with! Most people are drunk or high and that obviously brings us new challenges but people get to hear the Gospel and be ministered to by those that love God.

7. (GospelReggae.com) What goes through your mind before you go onstage at the average show?

Redbeard: I try to focus on the Lord and commit what we are about to do to Him, not by power nor by might but by my spirit says the Lord! I am scared of the ego trip and the fame ting so I pray hard about that.

8. (GospelReggae.com) Do you prefer being in the studio or on the road??

Redbeard: No question! The road, I love playing out. The studio is hard work producing dub plates. Never enough time to finish what you start.

9. (GospelReggae.com) If you could whisper in the ears of youths aspiring to start a music ministry like yours, what would you say?

Redbeard: Can you do it? Do you have the talent? Check your motive? Dont wait to hear God's booming voice saying 'Do it'... it aint happening. Instead pray daily commiting the idea to him and start making steps towards doing it. Where God guides, God provides! Thats how you will know its His will.

10. (GospelReggae.com) Why do you do music? What is your primary goal?

Redbeard: To serve God. To share the Truth with those I used to par with using the language they speak.

11. (GospelReggae.com) Are you working on any future projects/releases that we should look out for?

Redbeard: Our desire is to put out some 'riddim' albums, I really want to focus on 'singers' we got lots of bashment but hardly any singers sharing riddims. Sounds like to juggle riddims.

12. (GospelReggae.com) Could you please give a message to the reggae fans that are reading this and would like to know more about your faith and who Jesus is to you?

Redbeard: Jesus is God! Dont go by what you have grown up with to be truth, look and search for yourself, work out your own salvation with FEAR and TREMBLING! Before music must come God and your relationship with him. In the dancehall we used to call out 'all the people that love God flash yuh lighter!' EVERYONE would flash there lighter or put thier hand up. But the bible says if you say you love God and hate your brother you are a LIAR! So you need to get in your bible and check scripture against scripture, study it in its text, co text and context! We are all sinners not one greater or lessor as a sinner, you cant bun fire pon a chi chi man or informer etc and you a sinner yourself...Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Find a church that feels right and study your bible. In regards to reggae music, well listen the lyric for yourself..Is the artist making sense? Does the lyrics line up with scripture? Would it offend God?

Ministry

To go worldwide, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the medium of Reggae music! HMSS, Big ship sailing...Dun Know! The battle ship engaged in war, picking up survivors and bringing supplies to the troops, tearing down strong holds! Bringing to the culture of dancehall...God's Love!
(Hebrews 10:24-25)

Discography

(Juggling CD's):
'Who God Bless' 2004
'A New Sound Fi Dem' 2005

Concerts

There are currently no upcoming events listed.

Contact / Booking:

181 Sumner Road South, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 3LY, England
Tel: 01447939471582

Official EMail:

cyantdead@hotmail.com

Official Website:

http://www.hmss.moonfruit.com/

Photos