BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHILE not winning any awards at the recently held 2010 Gospel Music Marlin Awards in the Bahamas, Eugene Jervin Vanterpool, popularly known as Minister LK, intends to someday make it internationally.
However, based on the young man’s determination, simplicity and passion to survive, evidence is there that once given the support this rapidly improving Gospel artiste will be a force to contend with in the music industry.
Like many, Vanterpool believes he is not being given the recognition that he would like from music lovers in St. Kitts and Nevis, but some people have been saying that the talented young singer is to Gospel music as Gospel music is to many of them - liberating.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, Vanterpool spoke about his plans of advancing Gospel music and where he would like to see it go.
“My purpose and objective have always been to take Gospel music from the Caribbean to international standards, and I intend to work on doing just that,” he said.
Listening to Vanterpool, it is easy for one to readily know that he has a passion and love for music which he continues to pursue with determination and a strong sense of commitment. He declared that his aim is to spread the message of Christ in various musical genres, whether it is Reggae, Rap or Dancehall. Consequently, he has begun pursuing a number of avenues to produce music, which he noted would aid in spiritual upliftment among the young and the old.
Born April 10, 1982, Vanterpool said he became a Christian at the age of 15 and claimed that at that age most teenagers are traditionally caught up in various trends and vices of the world. He declared that he intends to make Gospel music his mission in life, while admitting that he had withstood many temptations to stay true to his faith.
“As a Christian, I have faced many temptations. But because of God’s grace and mercy, I have been able to withstand those temptations as I rest my faith in Him,” he said.
Vanterpool admitted that he is cognisant of the fact that what he is hoping to achieve is a difficult task, but would remain steadfast and, with God’s guidance, stay true to his set goals.
Commenting on this particular genre of music, Vanterpool said artistes in the region have to concentrate more on working harder and creating a sound that could effectively compete; noting that many singers who came through the church had ventured into the secular world in their attempt for fame and fortune.
The artiste disclosed that he has to take music to that level where he would be recognised as a mainstream performer locally, regionally and even internationally. He disclosed that he dances, acts and writes his own lyrics to songs such as ‘What Is Going On’, ‘Where Is The Love’ and ‘Christian Soldiers’. He said that in the year of his conversion to Christianity he was moved by the Holy Spirit to begin sharing his talent with the world.
He pointed out that since 1997 he has gained notoriety as a Gospel singer performing in a growing list of countries, among them being Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Tortola, Trinidad, the United States of America, St. Maarten and his beloved St. Kitts-Nevis.
Vanterpool further noted that during his career he had won the Nevis Jubilee Song Contest in 2004 and a nomination for Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year – Duo or Group - at the 2010 Gospel Music Marlin Awards. He declared that he intends to break down the barriers facing Gospel music, and there is good reason to believe he is entirely capable of doing so.
“I wish to use Gospel music to bring people to Christ. It is therefore my goal to take my music outside the gospel world to achieve my goal,” he added.
Although young and faced with many challenges, Vanterpool is clearly determined to be successful. It is evident that once this rising star is given the requisite support and assistance, another musical star can emerge from the Federation.
Vanterpool continues to emphasise that he is a young man who is “doing my best to exert a positive influence in my country and hope that more people will come forward and help in any way that they can”.
SKNVibes believes it is time that this invitation is accepted so as to help this well-deserving young man in his musical pursuits.
