Ryan Mark celebrates ‘Milestone’, to release new album
Ready to thrill fans with inaugural gospel concert ‘PureFest’
Published:Thursday | August 29, 2024 | 12:08 AMKenrick Morgan/Gleaner Writer
Popular gospel singer Ryan Mark has been part of the music fraternity for over 20 years, building a name for himself that many have come to associate with not only great music, but also relatable Christian messaging for strength and encouragement. Not long into his musical journey, Mark added pastoral ministry to his repertoire, serving as head pastor for Pure In Heart Ministries International (PIHMI) for the better part of a decade.
It is with these major achievements in mind that the Already Done singer crafted his latest album, aptly titled Milestone, coming to fans and audiences across the world on September 7.
In a conversation with The Gleaner, Mark spoke about his journey and what this album means to him.
“For me, milestones represent longevity. I have been in music for 20 years – that, for me, is a milestone. I have been pastoring for the last 10 years. That’s a milestone. So, this album represents where I am in life, it’s different phases and stages and my longevity in the various stages,” he said.
Another major milestone for the 39-year-old is the inaugural staging of PureFest – a new gospel experience/concert to be used to celebrate PIHMI’s 10-year anniversary.
Ryan Mark explained that “… the Milestone project was supposed to be for next year, but because the church will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, I said, why not just put everything together and have one big party?”
Pastoral work is never easy, but according to Mark, his 10-year journey has been worth it.
“It has been a good experience in all honesty. There have been days where things get really tough – like any other job. But nonetheless, it is something that I enjoy doing. So, when I buck up in difficulties, it is never a matter of giving up, but how can I solve this,” he said.
The singer went on to explain the differences between being an entertainer and leading a church, citing the relationships he gets to build his congregation as the biggest difference.
“It has really given an upfront experience in seeing others grow. When you’re doing the music, it’s a hit and go … but with the pastoral, you get the opportunity to preach the gospel, see people give their lives to God, and then you get to baptise them. In some cases, you even get to officiate their weddings. I even get the opportunity, sadly, to be a part of their funerals, putting a final close on their chapters,” he explained, adding, “so, it is very fulfilling to see people grow and become everything God has called them to be under your leadership.”
Milestone is Ryan Mark’s sixth studio album and will be released during the festivities of PureFest next month. He hopes listeners will be able to relate to its messages, which he has drawn from his own experiences.
“I believe they will get encouragement and spiritual upliftment. I also believe they will be able to identify with the songs. I would say that about 90 per cent of my songs are written from real-life experience – I don’t write songs just for telling a story’s sake. I write from the heart and what I have been through,” he said.
“And that is what I want: people being able to relate. For them to know they are not the only ones to feel a particular way, and if God brought me through it, He can bring them, too,” he continued.
In addition to the launch of a new album, patrons are in for a whole lot of nostalgia and good music come PureFest.
“Fans can expect a night filled with good ministry and entertainment. The lineup we have is very good. Myself, Jason Mighty, Gody Gody, DJ Nicholas – we were some of the foundations of gospel-reggae in Jamaica…I went for veterans artistes that Jamaicans have not seen on a stage one time.”