IT is fair to say Jamaican gospel music has changed in the last 15 years.

Gone are the days when Christian music was done to traditional tunes. In fact, most contemporary gospel acts record songs to uptempo dancehall beats.

Top: Chrissy D/Lt. Stitchie

This leaves many to wonder where is the gospel in gospel music. According to CEO of Glory Music Tommy Cowan, it all comes down to the content of the lyrics.

“I have no problem once the lyrics are that of inspiration. Some of the gospel artists today use this method as a way to spread the word of God,” Cowan told Splash.

He added: “For example Papa San, even though he waves and dances, he gets out the Word of God in a fitting manner. Even if it is a comedian doing gospel music, the message should be clear,” said Cowan.

The dreadlocked Cowan worked as a manager and producer for artists like Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Israel Vibration, before entering the gospel arena just over 20 years ago.

He is quick to point out that in the past he had to meet with several artists whose message did not portray the word.

“There are those who sounded too much like the hardcore secular acts. Their words are not clear so it’s hard for a listener to understand what they are saying,” he explained. “Some form of adjustment needs to be made.”

Cowan advises gospel acts to educate themselves on the word of God by reading the scriptures in order to spread the gospel lyrically. Before signing or recording acts with Glory Music, Cowan says he does thorough background checks.

This process entails a visit to the church the artist attends to get their standing in the ministry.

Like secular acts, gospel artists are heavily scrutinised by the media. In recent times there have been stories of some being involved in criminal or ‘ungodly’ acts.

In her book, From Brokenness to Victory, Joan Wright, (ex-wife of Calvin Whilby, more popularly known as Prodigal Son) wrote that her marriage was affected by physical and verbal abuse. In January 2009, another gospel act, Moses, was found dead under questionable circumstances in the Gordon Town area of St Andrew.

Cowan believes while it is good to be a role model, fans of gospel performers must realise that the devil and temptation plays a big role in the world in which they live.

“A lot of bad things are going to happen to Christians and non-Christians alike,” he said. “It is inevitable. If the situations regarding Prodigal Son and others are true we should be readily forgive them and move on.”