Gospel music from the Carribean is becoming increasingly popular, not only in the West Indies, but everywhere that sunny rhythms, lazy back beats, fresh vocals and intensity of Jesus-focused lyrics is appreciated.

This is a continuing segment of a review series that shines the spotlight on recent island-rooted Gospel. Check here to get to previous segments.


From the yellow war chopper on the outside to the warring vocal chops on the inside, Septimus is nothing if not diverse.

The Jamaican artist is a renaissance man of sorts, ably offering up the choicest of hard Gospel reggae (the title track “War Against The Devil”, the hook-driven “Chainbreaker”) amidst a variety of other musical styles amidst the sixteen generous tracks.

Joining with Calvin Bussy Jones on production, Septimus ensures that the entire project is dipped into a fullness of aural surroundings. There’s always something going on, whether it be the full harmonies, the ingenuity of the tracks or the frequent but never over-reliant use of production effects.

Songs that will absolutely captivate include the rhythm-soaked version of “Jesus Loves The Little Children”. Septimus takes the familiar kiddie verse and transforms it into an infectious chorus highlighted by his edgy ragga-rap. Likewise, the ‘carnival for Jesus’ song titled “Praise Him” is unforgettable, as is the soca-flava’d “Jesus Must Be Worshipped”.

Dipping into roots influence, “Jesus Me Lord and Saviour” is marked by delicious accompaniment that follows step by step with Septimus’ lead vocoder-pushed vocals. “Been There” and “A Me Man” follow a similar musical path.

Several times on the disc the island influence is abandoned and urban contemporary Gospel embraced. “My God is Real” and “Whatcha Gonna Do” are examples, and again, Septimus holds nothing back.

If the captivating CD wrapper doesn’t grab your attention, the Jesus-first lyrics surrounded by audio fires inside surely will. Septimus!!