Five Questions with … Minister Kukudoo

It’s not unusual for persons to say “Kuku who” when the name Kukudoo is mentioned. Sometimes it is because they have genuinely never heard the name before, and at other times, they are just trying to be funny. His name may not be as readily on the lips as that of other gospel acts, but the King David singer, whose given name is David McDermott, definitely has his niche, especially overseas, and he shared that he and Jabez are the most travelled gospel artistes out of Jamaica.

A fixture on the annual Jamaica Independence Gala, where his rousing mento-soaked gospel songs and high-energy performances are always winners, Minister Kukudoo has recently completed his third studio album, Jerusalem. It is set for release October 2 on the Tads Records imprint and the entertainer is quite excited about this project, which sees him stepping out of his comfort zone, musically. Jerusalem, he says, came about by chance and Kukudoo is ready to proceed full speed ahead with the promotion.

Like many in the entertainment industry, Kukudoo’s wings have been clipped by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the postponement of at least one dozen concerts overseas, where he earns his “bread and butter”. But he remains thankful for the successes of 2019, which was an exceptional year for him in terms of tours and concerts on the international circuit, in particular the US, Cayman and the Caribbean. He lists his special moments as performing on the same stage with artistes such as Shirley Caesar, whose songs he grew up on; Donnie McLurkin and Adrian Cunningham.

A former machine operator at the now-defunct Bernard Lodge Sugar Estate, Kukudoo got his start singing at nine nights, or ‘dead yards’ as it is known, and it blossomed into a full-time career, which saw him being called on regularly for assignments overseas. Kukudoo tells us more in this week’s Five Questions With ... .

Kukudoo is a rather strange name. What is its genesis?

The original name is Kuku, because I am a great cook. I love to feed people, so my friends call me Kuku, and then I just put on the ‘doo’ and use it as my stage name. Wherever I travel to in the world, people always ask me that question because the name is so unique.

How did a nine night singer evolve into an international act?

The nine night thing was my recreation, but I did it with passion and people loved it, even though sometimes they used to call me ‘dead yard artiste’. Anyway, the selectors started making CDs and gave out at the nine night. A lot of the people were foreigners, so they took back the music, played it, and so my name started ringing. So I was promoting myself without even realising it.

Was the transition smooth?

Well, there was one point when I decided to quit. I was called for three shows in England, which I said would be my last, but something interesting happened at the London concert. It was sold out, and they had to turn back people. At the end of my performance the bishop came to me and said that they have had many gospel artistes with big names perform there before, but that night was so different, so spiritual. He told me to keep on doing what I was doing, and after that I never looked back.

How did ‘Jerusalem’ come into being?

Actually, I got a call from Tads [record company owner] asking if I had any new songs, so I sent him a file, in error, that had about six songs, both old and new, instead of just one song. He liked them all and suggested that I should add some more and just put out an album. I have collabs with Omari, Chozenn, Psalmist and Morgie. I chose that title because that song came to me in a vision.

How are you navigating virtual space with online concerts being the new normal

Most of the virtual shows are done to tracks, but, to be honest, I am not a tracks artiste. I did two of them, though, and they were okay. And in August I did the Grand Gala, which was at the arena instead of the stadium. There was no audience, but there was a live band, so that was very good. Of course, no shows mean no money, but I have to say a big thank you to my fans overseas, who will call and say, ‘Kukudoo, God say mi fi bless yuh’ .