Yes, indeed! Good Neighbor Legend Award for Tommy Cowan
Papa San, Carlene Davis, Judith Gayle perform at Fun In The Son, Bronx
Published:Saturday | August 14, 2021 | 12:08 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
Glory Music CEO, Tommy Cowan, was recently recognised with the Good Neighbor Legend Award at the ninth staging of the gospel festival, Fun in the Son, Bronx, and the producer and festival promoter is giving all the glory to God.
“I give honour to God for this recognition, and I am thankful for the wisdom He has placed in us to partner with Good Neighbors organisation, the New Testament Temple Church of God and the 12th District Community Engagement, and all the staff and volunteers and, of course, my family and supporters here in Jamaica,” Cowan, who has been hosting Fun in the Son for 20 years, told The Gleaner.
The event, staged under the theme ‘Love & Liberty in the Son’, was held on August 7 at the Evander Childs Football Field and reportedly attracted a live audience of more than 5,000 and a virtual audience of 10,000.
“It was a beautiful day last Saturday, and we fed hundreds of families – they received groceries – we gave away clothing for the kids, and more than 200 persons took their COVID vaccines,” a delighted Cowan shared.
A press release stated that community engagement was the main focus of the festival’s activities and included volunteers distributing clothing, various fruits, vegetables, and non-perishable food items to over 1,500 families. The pop-up vaccination clinic, the healthy, wealthy, and children’s village experience saw enthusiastic residents flowing through their tents throughout the day.
ENERGETIC PERFORMANCE
The concert portion of the day’s activities saw performances from gospel greats Papa San, Carlene Davis, and Judith Gayle, as well as local groups, Praise XPressed and Heaven Sent. An energetic Gayle connected solidly with the audience as she sang favourites including Stay With God, Give Me Jesus, Nobody Like Jesus and Things Already Better. Her ‘Jesus a mi Daddy-O’ refrain was the note on which she made her exit, leaving her audience on a high. Carlene Davis, the wife of Cowan, was casually chic in fitted pants and a loose top. She definitely knew her ‘ Assignment’ and, in addition to that single, she did her big tunes My Forever Friend, Cover Me, Praising God and closed her set with the hugely popular, This Island Needs Jesus.
Papa San continues to defy ageing. Dressed in all-white, the deejay who once ruled the dancehall continues to ride the familiar ‘riddims’ associated with that genre, but he left no doubt that he was all about the religious and not the secular. Jumping, prancing and full of vibes, San deejayed and urged the audience to join him in praise. “Every person under the hearing of my voice, lift your voice and give praise to the King of Kings. Come on, say Hallelujah,” he told his obedient fans. Among his nine-song set were Glory God, Step Pon Di Enemy, Life Lessons, Pop Style and One Blood.
Reverend Gladstone Johnson, executive director of Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency, said the event’s success over the past nine years was due to the outstanding work of over 200 volunteers. Council member Kevin Riley of the 12th District, elected officials, and faith partners collaborated in a spirit of unity for Fun in the Son 2021.
Victoria Mutual Group, Glory Music, New Testament Temple Church of God, Kori’s Eats, City World Auto Group, S&Y Grace Mart, Republic Bank, ConEdison, JN Money Services, and the Jamaica Tourist Board were sponsors for the event.