Rashid Walker, a talented rising star in Antigua and Barbuda’s music industry, is crafting a more culturally resonant sound by blending Caribbean musical influences into gospel music. Embracing genres such as soca, calypso, and reggae, he even incorporates the steel pan into his recordings.

Reflecting on the history of gospel music, Walker noted that traditional hymns were shaped by classical music. “In technical terms, they often followed a 3/4 or 4/4 time signature, reflecting waltz and marching styles,” he explained. “This made them easy for congregations to follow and sing along with.”

However, he emphasised that contemporary gospel music has evolved to embrace modern styles. His own work is deeply inspired by scripture, particularly Revelation 7:9 (NLT): “After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.”

“This verse inspired me to write a praise and worship song that resonates with Caribbean culture,” Walker shared. “Merging contemporary praise & worship with soca music and steel pan has always been a vision of mine as a Caribbean worship leader.”

The live recording of this psalm-inspired song will premiere on the Benja Array YouTube Channel, with audio releases on Spotify and iTunes on Wednesday, 25th June 2025. Ahead of the full release, fans can listen to the track on Julians Promos, the world’s leading soca YouTube channel here: