Wayne Stoddart

Roots reggae gospel sensation Wayne Stoddart is lyrically inspired by Words of the Holy Bible and musically inspired by the music of Bob Marley, Steel Pulse and Burning Spear, to name a few. Stoddart?s lyrics and music are true to life, deep and created on quality reggae riddims. There is a signature of originality in all of his music. His sound is unique and it brings a breath of fresh air to the gospel music fraternity. He is truly among the few (so rear and dying) quality reggae acts of the decade with such uplifting lyrics. It is good quality reggae production that first holds the listeners; then the gospel message comes home; then the question is asked "Is this gospel?" ...Yes it is it?s undiluted one-drop Roots Reggae Gospel. When asked what inspires him to write such deep songs Wayne replied, ?My life experiences and an Ever-faithful God. When I write songs, I communicate my innermost feelings, expressions and desires to the Almighty. I believe in the ministry of documented original music. It offers an opportunity for generations to appreciate and learn from my experiences and testimonies. Like King David, the musical prophets today need to write the psalm so present and future generations can be uplifted and encourages by it.? The talents of this artiste are numerous, he plays, he writes, he sings and he produces and arrange. As a long-standing member of the Church of God, Wayne Stoddart is truly rooted and ground by faith as he declared in the song ?Committed?. Wayne was born in Kingston, Jamaica and migrated to the country to live with his father in Trelawny where he attended William Knibb Memorial High School. Wayne grew up in the church and growing up in the country (Kinloss, Trelawny) there wasn't that much activity and entertainment besides what was found at the church. His interest in music, grew from the fact that his father had a wide collection of music from Gospel to R&B and Reggae; also there was always music in the church. Upon completion of high school in 1990 he returned to Kingston to complete college at Excelsior College. The Artiste lived in the deep inner-city community of Eastern Kingston (Mountain View) and existed amidst the harsh culture of the Kingston ghetto. Stoddart was able to sustain his identity as a Son of the Most High God. The experiences of his environment has lead to lyrics of comfort, encouragement and solution for an exit from the hands of the enemy and oppressors of humanity for the oppressed and depressed seeking a way out or rather up. The title track COMMITTED on Stoddart?s second album is a prime example of the root of Wayne Stoddart's message. The first public recognition Stoddart received was at a concert at Clarks Town Primary School. "I was in grade 4 at the time and I just started singing a pop song and doing all the dance moves. The class went wild." As a result of that primary school experience, Wayne and his brother Steve started singing together as the Stoddart Brothers. Everywhere Wayne went music followed and 'vice versa'. Wayne was a local High School singing star at William Knibb High School and when he went to college he formed the all male quartet Dunamis and the results were the same (the Class of 94' Excelsior College). Stoddart worshipped at the Mountain View New Testament Church of God where he was the Musical Director. Wayne formed the Gospel group Dynamis from the local members of the church and produced the album 'Fulfillment' as a church project. In March 1996 the group was nominated Best Performing Gospel Band at the Jamaica Music Awards (JAMI) for the 'Fulfillment' Project. Wayne has shared stage with artist such and Shirley Caesar, Rev F. C. Barnes and Sis. Judy Mowatt (former member of Bob Marley?s I-Three) to name a few. Wayne Stoddart?s album COMMITTED was nominated Best New Reggae Gospel album for the New York Caribbean Gospel Awards (NYCGA) 2002. In 2003 Stoddart won the award for the most Distinguish Male Vocal and was recognized by the Merlin Gospel Awards. Stoddart has recently migrated to Florida. He now worships at the Hands of Life Worship Center where he is the Music and Youth Director. Wayne continues to feed the children with bread of life as he assists with Bible Study Teaching with his church family. Wayne continues to expand in his ministry healing the wounded, comforting the brokenhearted, setting the captive free and tearing down the strongholds of the enemy through the power of the Most High God.