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Interview with Papa San
An Interview With the Fastest Tongue in Reggae

Gospelflava.com caught up with Jamaican sensation, Papa San, while he was vacationing in Miami.

The atmosphere at the local Jamaican eatery was charged with excitement and energy as Papa San shared information about his current album, God and i (see album review), and tossed in interesting facts about his life, his music and future endeavors.

The aroma of Caribbean cuisine drifted through the air as the "fastest tongue in reggae" sat down and shared the chat.

Gospelflava.com: How and when did you start out in music and why did you choose reggae?

Papa San: Music is in my blood; many of my childhood memories center around music. So music has been in my life and a part of my family as long as I can remember. Reggae music is a staple in Jamaica; it's so naturally the rhythm and the sound of the island, so reggae was the choice sound for me to cling to and use to perfect my own style of presentation.

Gospelflava.com: Of course you had much success, chart success included, in mainstream reggae circles before you made the transition to Gospel. Was it somewhat difficult converting from the secular arena?

Papa San: It wasn't because I really wanted to know Christ more than pursuing music. After 15 years as a secular artist and releasing 10 albums, I came to a point in my life when all the accolades and the fame really didn't matter anymore. I wanted a change in my life. Music was placed on the back burner for a period of time and I focused on getting my life right. After I realized the truth, I began to write gospel songs. Whatever is in the heart of a man will spill out into other areas of his life.

My music began to be a reflection of what was taking place on the inside so it was a smooth transition. It really wasn't a struggle to bring the music over to the Gospel side because my flow, delivery, and style remained the same

Gospelflava.com: Who are some of your Gospel influences?

God and i

The 12-track project then unfolds into a heady assortment of grooves, rhymes, jams, and flows that combine reggae-rooted island sensibilities with urban street. On each, Papa San contributes his powerful pen to lyrics and music, and leans on his stellar crew of musicians for non-stop support....

See full review.

Papa San: That would be Shirley Caesar, Michael W. Smith, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams. They all inspire me and I admire their diversity.

Kirk Franklin's style of music truly inspires me. It is wonderful that one can take music and add a hip hop rhythm to it and make it work. I see it on the flip side with reggae. Both types of music, hip hop and reggae are not readily acceptable in some gospel circles. Basically, Kirk is a pioneer and that truly encourages me to do the same with reggae music.

Gospelflava.com: Who are some of the music greats and artists that you have worked with in the past? And who are some artists that you hope to collaborate with in the future?

Papa San: In the past, I worked with local and international artists. On the secular level, I collaborated with Third World, Lady G., Doug E. Fresh, Freddie McGregor, and so many others. In the Gospel arena, I teamed up with Kirk Franklin, Jackie McCullough and others.

I am currently working on projects with Natalie Wilson and The McClurkins, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, BeBe and CeCe Winans. Myself and others will all appear on a collaboration single soon to be released. It is a "We Are The World" type of song that encourages unity in each of our own unique styles. I would love to work with Michael W. Smith on a track; that would produce a tremendous sound.

Gospelflava.com: Where do you get the material for your music? Is it fashioned from life's struggles or do you just address the issues of today?

Papa San: I write from life's experiences. The Lord gives me the inspiration and direction on how to appropriate the lyrics and incorporate it with the riddim.

Gospelflava.com: Your style is unique. What did you wish to accomplish by producing your trademark sound?

Papa San: The Lord really blessed me with the sound that I have. I want to use it as a bait to bring people to Christ.

Gospelflava.com: Where did you get the name Papa San? What does that name mean?

Papa San: In earlier times, artists would add subtitles to their name such as General, Colonel, Papa, etc. I chose "Papa" which means father. Interestingly enough, my brother was given the nickname "Dirt Man" so I was named "Sand" which is pronounced "San". I have another brother that named himself "Gravel" to complete the set (laughing)

Gospelflava.com: Your current album God and iis a taste of reggae at its best. What are some of your favorite songs on the album and why?

Papa San: It's hard to choose one because each track has its own originality and the lyrical content is different as well. There is "Breathe Again", "Pop Style" and many others. I questioned my family and friends to find out their favorites and they come up with the same conclusion...that each song carries its own identity and they love them all.

Gospelflava.com: How does your latest release God and i differ from your previous release, Victory (see album review)?

Papa San: Victory was released at a time when the gospel reggae sound was not really embraced. The album broke barriers and made history by becoming the first inspirational reggae album to enter the Billboard charts. Most of the album was recorded in Jamaica.

God and i was produced in the U.S. with an assortment of producers such as Fred Jerkins. This latest release is on a broader scale and is musically, vocally, lyrically on another level.

Gospelflava.com: Why did you think that it was so imperative to bring your sound to the U.S. and abroad?

Papa San: The Gospel is to be spread worldwide. I have been all around the world at sold out concerts and the audience's response is overwhelming. Reggae could never be stationary because the message is too great.

I have been to half of the Caribbean, Japan, Canada, England, Switzerland, and various countries worldwide. I will be touring in the Netherlands and Holland soon.

Gospelflava.com: What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Papa San: I would advise them to seek God first. It is such an easy thing to sing or rap about anything to make money. Don't jump in front of God or try to help Him by launching out before time. God opened doors for me that I didn't even ask for. Be prepared and hone your skills. Allow God to direct you and represent Him with excellence.

Gospelflava.com: What are some of your future endeavors?

Papa San: (Heavy sigh...) There are so many endeavors that I will be participating in. I just finished my first book, Journey To Life which chronicles my childhood and life story. Eventually, I would like to build an interactive Bible museum for children. I would also love to construct churches worldwide and continue to make quality music that everyone loves.

With that, we finished up by ordering bountiful helpings of ginger beer, coconut water, orange and carrot juice, the perfect Jamaican ending to an informative discussion with one of Gospel's most innovative artists.

— interview by Brenda Ingram II —