The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

Faced with the fact that so many of the nation’s youth are seeking acceptance through affiliation with dangerous gangs, a new music group has decided to show young Bahamian men and women that the sense of belonging they seek can be found in a community bound together in love for God. 

Christ Gang is the name of the group, which is comprised of six members who use their musical talents to minister.

Although the group wants to particularly target young people and help them stir their lives in the right direction, they also desire to minister to Bahamian of all ages and from all walks of life.

The six members who make up Christ Gang are Eman, Johnny B, Jai “Sully” Sullivan, Spitt Real, Jean Louie and Rashad Rich.

“Christ Gang came from an intricate but very simple place. It came from a necessity. It came from a passion for people, especially young people. It came from a place where there was a lack of support, so that’s why we constantly express our motto: ‘We do life together’. We strive together in life, that’s our point of reference,” band member Johnny B told Tribune Religion. 

“Life is hard already as it is, but it’s a little easier when there’s a support system that makes it bearable. We desire to minister, to journey and to get in the lives of people who folk normally would disregard, or reject, or run away from. A gang is a bond of people who form a support system that defends each (member) in all aspects. Christ Gang forms a community with the people of the Bahamas, binding them in love. Christ Gang is a frame of mind.”

Tomorrow night the group will extend its reach and spread its message by releasing the “Family Matters” mix-tape. Host for the night will be local comedian Bertrum Oh Bubbla. The launch party will be held at the Potential Church at 7pm, and will feature artists MOG, Lyrically Blessed, TAG, Mr Blaxx and Najie Dun. 

“The inspiration behind ‘Family Matters’ is the team Christ Gang being more than friends or members of a music group. We’re basically a family that every day goes through family matters. We do life together. We struggle together. We joy and have experiences together. We smile together, laugh together, cry together and face temptations together. Basically that’s where the inspiration for the mix-tape came from,” said Eman. When people listen to the mix-tape, he said, they will hear music that addresses relatable family issues that almost everyone experiences at some point in their life.

“They will hear music about life, growing up in the ‘hood’. They will hear music concerning people who talk about you in regards to your Christianity and your Christian day to day walk. We’ve got songs about being able to allow your problems to push you into your purpose. We’ve got the full nine yards on the mix-tape,” said Eman.

There will be several activities taking place during the launch party, including a lyric recitation challenge and a dance competition. 

“People need to come out because what they’re going to experience at this mix-tape party concert will be revolutionary in their lives. We’re going to have a worship session. We are going to have gospel artists and performers known all over this country to kick off what’s going to sweep this nation’s youth with the transforming power of God. If you’re not religious, I dare you to come out. It’s going to be so fun. Trust me, no one would want to miss it,” added Jai Sullivan.