Gospel community reeling

Death of deejay-minister a big blow

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

The gospel community is still expressing shock and sadness over the death of deejay Craig C, who was murdered on Monday night.

Craig C, whose real name is Collin Craig Chambers, was shot and killed in a robbery attempt in Portmore, St Catherine.

According to a report in THE STAR, the artiste was killed when he attempted to assist a family member who was being robbed.

For gospel producer Dale Virgo, the death of Craig C is a shock he is still trying to process. Speaking with The Gleaner recently, he explained that he hadn't slept since he heard about the shooting on Monday night.

"I've known Craig since 2002, he was the first artiste I really took under my wing and said I'm gonna produce and work wid him. We were friends from dem time deh, he's not just an artiste to me, but a friend from the very beginning," he said.

Passionate

According to Virgo, Craig C was a very ambitious person with an 'entrepreneurial spirit'.

"He did most things for himself, he was very passionate about his ministry and music ... We were to start doing some more work this year together and I'm just saddened about this. I went to visit his mother and she's really sad; he was her only child."

Gospel artiste Omari was upset when he spoke to The Gleaner.

"I don't even know how long mi know Craig C from. Long time, from him voice him first song. He was a very fun-loving and jovial person, very encouraging, always encouraging other artistes; he's the type to say 'Omari yuh know sey mi proud of yuh'," said Omari.

"It's really really sad. Craig C was so excited about my album coming out and now him not even going to be there to share the excitement wid me. Mi vex," he added.

Fun in the Son organiser Tommy Cowan admits that he didn't know Craig C as well as others, but was acutely aware that his death was a blow for the gospel community.

"I never knew him well, but I know it's a blow. What I can say is that he was a good person and a committed Christian, so it's really devastating for us to consider that such a young man has lost his life in such a ruthless manner," Cowan explained.

While Craig C was not scheduled to perform at Cowan's Best Dressed Fun in the Son this weekend, the organiser said he would be meeting with the gospel acts on the show to discuss what can be done to pay respect to the late artiste during the programme. Craig C had performed on Fun in the Son in 2009 and is known for songs such as Your Love and Anything You Say You Do.

He is one of many artistes that have died in a violent manner recently.

Just months before, Copper Cat was killed and last year Oneil Edwards of Voicemail met an untimely end.

Hours prior to Craig C's death, the artiste expressed his love for his ministry on facebook.com.

"Feels good and I want the world to know. I officially gave my life back to Jesus Christ, March 8, 2011. Grateful for His mercy," the post read.