Artist Name: Papa San
Birth Name: Tyrone Thompson
Birth Place and Date: Born on July 1st, In Spanish Town, Jamaica, W.I.
Official Bio
Papa San, known as Jamaica's fastest lyrical speaking DJ is back with his long awaited CD release, HIGHER HEIGHTS (Release July 28, 2009, Habakkuk Music/UMCG ). With a robust signature sound that not only gets bodies moving, Papa San also appeals to the hearts and minds of listeners around the world.
Having had his first smash hit while just a teenager in the mid-80's, Papa San's phenomenal on-going reign on international music charts earned him the nickname "Marathon Man". Outstanding hits such as "I Will Survive", "Legal Rights", "Strange", and "Maddy Maddy Cry" made it common for him to simultaneously hold down several positions in the Top 10 at any given time, including long runs at No. 1 that no Reggae or Dancehall artist to date has surpassed. These hit songs and numerous videos in heavy rotation on MTV created fans in all the Caribbean Islands, Japan, Europe, Africa and the U.S. throughout the 80s and 90s.
Life for Papa San began to take turns down roads he had never anticipated. He confessed to a relationship with the Creator but his confession was not evident in his songs or his lifestyle. Papa San had been involved with firearms and had several run-ins with the police and tragically lost two brothers to street violence. In 1997, Papa San opened the Bible and began to read it. While reading Papa San experienced a conviction in his heart. He and his wife began attending Church and learning more about Christ.
As a result of his growing relationship with Christ, Papa San's focus for music shifted. The content of his songs changed to convey his newfound faith in the Gospel but the mighty grooves, unforgettable hooks and a mile-a-minute words and rhymes continued to soar. Papa San has released three critically acclaimed Gospel Reggae albums that topped the Billboard Charts and was also a featured side artist on Kirk Franklin's hit song, Awesome God. He has made guest appearances and shared stages with Gospel Greats such as Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, J Moss, Fred Hammond, Trin-t-ee 5:7, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, and BeBe & CeCe Winans.
HIGHER HEIGHTS includes the powerful first single, "In the Gettio", which features duet with Canton Jones and prominent sample of Bill Withers' hit song, "Ain't No Sunshine". The mid-tempo groove is a powerful intercessory anthem which has been an early favorite on the UK and Caribbean charts. The electrifying track, "Fasure" featuring Toby Mac is already a favorite among bloggers. Another track that’s making an impact is, "You Take Care of Me" which speaks of Papa San's personal testimony of God’s faithfulness in times of persecution; and how God always showed up in the time of need. With styles to suit a variety of musical tastes, the album includes the international flavor of the title track, "Higher Heights", and the remarkably spirit pleasing tracks, "More Love" and "Stand".
More importantly, the album delivers the Gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise. As an ordained minister, he uses his unique style of music ministry to reach the masses. "I want to see souls saved for the Kingdom", he says, "not just a few, but millions"!
HIGHLIGHTS
• Strong radio launch with 1st single, "Ina the Gettio", featuring Canton Jones airplay already at WTHE, WCAO, WGRB, KROI, WHAL, WHRK, WDJC, WEUP, WHJT, KDKS, WXEZ, WZAZ, WJNI, WUFO, and Sirius XM
• 4 Time Consecutive Winner of "The Battle" on Coco Brother’s Nationally Syndicated Radio Show "Coco Brother Live"
• Stellar Award Winner, Dove Award Nominee, World Music Award Winner, Marlin Award Winner
• Extensive touring in United States and abroad
• Video for "Ina the Gettio" coming soon!
Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com
GR: What is the most valuable lesson that you learned from your Mom or Dad growing up that you still apply today?
Papa San: One of the most valuable lessons that I have learnt from either of my parents that I still apply to my life today was from my father. Watching him while growing up, taught me how imperative my roles are as husband and father and how important family is.
GR: What has been the greatest mistake that you have made in Ministry and learned from? How have you used this experience to change the way you approach ministry?
Papa San: The greatest mistake I made in ministry was to be disobedient to the Lord. I will never forget after ministering one night the Lord told me stop and make an altar call but the fans kept asking for more. I went to please the fans and when I was finished, I made an altar call. Not many people were saved. I have learnt to always obey God.
GR: If you could share the stage with any Christian or secular artist in the world (living or dead) who would be?
Papa San: Michael W. Smith
GR: What is your favorite bible verse in the Bible and why?
Papa San: Romans 10:13 "Whosoever call upon the name of the Lord will be saved", and whosoever means anyone.
GR: What Bible character do you most identify yourself with?
Papa San: Paul the Apostle
GR: What do you have to say about (or to) artists that started off in the Christian industry (CBA) doing gospel music and now sing secular (mainstream) with watered down, or ambiguous message?
Papa San: To those artists I would say that you cannot serve God and money. Christ said anyone who puts his hand to plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom. You are to be a light in this dark world.
GR: Name one thing that fans do not know about you.
Papa San: The newest thing in my life is my newborn son who was born January 25 2006.
GR: What is your philosophy of stage ministry? Is there any one message that you always want to leave with your audience?
Papa San: Stage ministry is one of the greatest privileges when called by God to minister the gospel as an ambassador for Christ in the earth and leading people to him. Those who are saved are to support and pray for the ministers and we the ministers will also pray for others in the body of Christ. Also, to those who don't know Christ as Saviour and Lord need him more than their next breath.
GR: What is the best audience that you have ever played in front of?
Papa San: This one question can never be answered by being specific, as I believe I get some of the most wonderful audiences.
GR: Do you prefer being in the studio or on the road?
Papa San: My greatest desire is for souls to be saved and lives to be changed so I'd rather be on the road.
GR: Could you please give a message to the reggae fans that are reading this that would like to know more about your faith and who Jesus is to you?
Papa San: To my fans this the best life I have ever lived since I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I am happy to know I am in His perfect will and nothing can change that.
Ministry
"I am a fisher of men, and music is my bait."--Papa San
"I want to see souls saved for the Kingdom", Papa San says, "not just a few, but millions"!
Discography
Papa San, Victory, B-Rite, (1999)
Papa San, God & i, Gospo Centric Records, (2003)
Papa San, Real & Personal, Gospo Centric Records, (2006)
Concerts
There are currently no upcoming events listed.
Contact / Booking:
Booking:
POSITIVE MUSIC AGENCY
Kevin McIntyre (President)
USA: (310) 539-9009
UK: +44 (0)161-870-6651
BRAZIL: +55 62-8101-0801
Fax (toll-free): +1 (310) 494-9359
E-mail: kevin{at}positivemusicagency.com
Site: http://www.positivemusicagency.com
Positive Music Agency
1942 259th Place
Lomita, CA, 90717, USA
Management:
Clive Ennis
CAnthony Entertainment
Tel: 770-573-2643 / Fax: 404-806-0299
Email: clive@canthonyentertainment.com
http://www.myspace.com/papasanminister
Official EMail:
kevin@positivemusicagency.com
Official Website:
http://www.myspace.com/papasanminister
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