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Three of Jamaica’s gospel icons, Dr Lester Lewis, Shirley Willis, and Minister Sandra Brooks, took centre stage at the inaugural RESET Project 2025 Gospel Experience on January 4 to receive a heartfelt tribute for their outstanding contributions to gospel music.
The event not only celebrated their individual journeys, but also underscored the collective impact they have had on spreading messages of hope and inspiration through gospel music.
The evening provided an opportunity for the honourees to showcase their talents, delivering performances that reflected the rich tradition of Jamaican gospel music. Their contributions have not only shaped the local gospel scene, but have also resonated with audiences globally, leaving a legacy of faith, resilience, and artistic excellence.
Dr Lester Lewis, the trailblazing pioneer of gospel reggae, is known for his transformative impact on the genre with timeless classics such as Every Time I Read my Bible.
Reflecting on the honour, Lewis shared, “Having been the one who pioneered gospel reggae back in the ‘70s, giving me this award makes me feel like number one again.”
He commended the organisers of the RESET Project 2025 and stated that “reset is about being responsible for the words that come out of our mouth, every word, and we have to build back the moral standards and ethical principle of Jamaica”.
Minister Sandra Brooks, renowned for her powerful voice in ministry, brought the audience to its feet with her moving performance.
“It was an honour and a blessing that my colleagues and friends saw it fit to honour me. I was very pleased, and surprised, that the response would be like that because I have not been on stage in about four to five years,” Brooks said.
“RESET Project 2025 is a good intent and the team should continue to go forward, as the movement will get bigger and better. An initiative like this is important, because not much is being done for gospel ministers who have done well in the industry,” she added.
Shirley Willis, who flew in from Florida to be present for the event, exemplified the dedication and passion that has defined her career.
Their shared legacy has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Jamaican gospel music, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary styles. As artistes who have remained steadfast in their faith and creative expression, their music continues to resonate with audiences young and old.
The RESET Project 2025 Experience, themed ‘Honouring the past, embracing the present, reshaping the future’, also featured performances by gospel ministers Papa San and Chevelle Franklyn, alongside talented youth from Manchester and Old Harbour high schools, the PAH Deaf Dance Company, and More Than Words Mime Ministry. The event was a true celebration of faith and music, bringing together fans and industry leaders in a shared mission to uplift and transform lives.
Annoleah Wynter, CEO of Olamay Events Limited and the visionary behind RESET Project 2025, expressed her admiration for the honourees and noted that the movement “was designed to honour their legacy, while inspiring the next generation to carry the torch forward”.
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