By Simone Morgan—
Gospel artist Kevin Downswell will release his third album, All The Way, on June 4. It comes four years after his previous set, The Search Continues.
His debut album, Close To You, was released in 2008.
Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Downswell said All The Way is a reflection of his personal and spiritual journey.
“It also combines various styles and genres to demonstrate my unique gospel sound,” he added.
Downswell worked with different producers on the 17-track All The Way, including Barwiya Production’s Dwain ‘Wiya’ Campbell and Grammy-winning Tyshane from the United States. It contains songs like The Meaning of Life, Christian Soldiers and One Day.“All The Way is very different (from his previous albums) in a number of respects. For one, what I know now, compared to four years ago, is much more. I am much wiser, therefore, my writing is much better and comes from a deeper place of inspiration,” he reasoned. “Secondly, the process to complete this album was also very different…I felt like for this album I had to walk blind. Many times I didn’t know where God was taking me.”
The album also hears Downswell collaborating with Papa San, DJ Nicholas and Jermaine Edwards.
Downswell was born in Westmoreland, but spent his early years between Portmore, St Catherine, and Kingston. He began singing seriously while attending Jose Marti Technical and Camperdown High Schools.
In 2003, Downswell got his break when he won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Gospel Competition with the song Praise.
Despite the promising start to his gospel career, two years later he graduated from University of the West Indies with a Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry. He had ambitions of becoming a medical doctor.
“This all changed when God stepped in, leading me to become a full-time minister of the gospel. It was not a very easy decision,” he recalled.
In 2005, Downswell had his first major hit with Naah Bow, alongside DJ Nicholas and Edwards. The song won the 2006 Marlin Awards for Best Reggae Recording of the Year.
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