5 Questions with TobyMac

A prolific performer within the gospel music space for the better part of four decades is American singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer Toby ‘TobyMac’ McKeehan. His talent has since yielded nine critically acclaimed studio albums, an innumerable number of chart-topping singles, and has taken him on sold-out tours and performances to spread his most important message: the message of the Lord. Spreading this message has taken him to the shores of Jamaica before, having headlined the Fun in the Son gospel festival in 2002. However, he is no stranger to the island, where he has eternal ties via his wife Amanda Levy McKeehan, who was born and raised on the island. He returns to the Fun in the Son stage in 2024 amidst much anticipation for the presentation of his music from a genre whose rules he frequently challenges. The Gleaner’s Five Questions With ... had a chance to catch up with him.

1. You are no stranger to the Fun in the Son gospel festival, having headlined the event before. How special is it for you to be back performing in Jamaica?

I have very fond memories of Fun in the Son. I was so happy to hear that they were going to bring it back to Jamaica. I feel like so much of my life is tied to Jamaica, my wife of 30 years is Jamaican. I guess that makes my five kids Jamericans. I’ve learned much about life through my in-laws in Jamaica. I’ve learned so much about being alive in Jesus through my family there. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to pour back into a country and a people that have taught me so much.

2. You’ll be headlining this year’s festival alongside your long-time collaborator in music Kirk Franklin, who has also headlined Fun in the Son on his own. Is it special for you both to be in Jamaica performing together?

Kirk Franklin and I have done a lot work together – in the studio and onstage. I think we share a heart for bringing people together of all races and cultures under the banner of love, and more directly, Jesus. I was so happy to see that we would perform together in Jamaica. He is definitely one of my favourite artistes to watch live, full of energy and charisma. I am honoured to be on any bill with my brother Kirk, but to be in Jamaica, makes it even sweeter.

3. What does it mean to you that one of the Festival’s core focuses is about ‘winning souls for Christ’?

Winning souls for Christ is the great commission. It’s why we remain here once we are in Christ. It’s what I pray for every night before I take the stage that someone’s eyes would be opened to His love for the first time. It’s what I pray in the studio before I start writing, “turn someone’s eyes to you with that one”, I pray. What an honour that God would allow us to be part of His love for humanity!

4. Apart from preparing for the event, are you looking forward to enjoying any island activities during your stay?

I am looking forward to spending a few days at a retreat with my band on the south coast after the festival. I love it down there. It’s refreshing to my soul. I hold it so close because not only is it our family’s Christmas refuge every year, but I have also written many of my songs there over the last 15 or 20 years. Without a doubt, it holds a piece of my heart!

5. You’ve historically taken non-traditional approaches in your music, fusing the gospel genre with urban sounds. Jamaica, being home to dancehall and reggae, and considering your own relationship with Jamaican culture, are those sounds something you would ever consider incorporating into your music?

I love dancehall and reggae. It is the sound of Jamaica. It starts playing in people’s head immediately when they think of the “Rock”. I have done a few songs, that fuse, reggae into pop and rock. A few years back, I had my friend Papa San on a song called Catch a Fire. I just had the privilege of meeting Kevin Downswell at a show of mine in Hartford, Connecticut. We definitely spoke of doing something together. We’ll see ‘bout a mash-up of our styles together. Who knows what [will] come out.

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