Metamorphosis goes through teething pains

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

For whom much is given, much is expected, the saying goes. And of Nathan Cowan, son of two of Jamaica's gospel musical icons, the legendary Tommy Cowan and Reverend Carlene Davis, much is expected.

And young Cowan demonstrated his understanding of the expectations in conceptualising 'Metamorphosis' - a "jumping off or a launch party for Fun in the Son", the brainchild of his parents.

The only drawback, it seemed, was the fact that, unlike 'Fun in the Son' the following day, not many had turned out to see what Nathan Cowan had come up with it.

The turnout could not be blamed on poor marketing.

"We promoted extensively to churches and youth groups through flyers, giving out hundreds of flyers," said Nathan. They were also sensitised to the format of the event.

For those who did turn out, the southern end of the Liguanea Club provided lovely decoration, and they were to enjoy a constant treat of pulsating gospel music from the likes of Jamaican artistes Prodigal, Lieutenant Stitchie and DJ Nicholas.

Though the music was good, the crowd was conservative and only a few danced and even then, it was only to particularly popular songs.

There were no seats, because dancing was expected, but many were content to stand and listen to the music that was interspersed with religious-flavoured chit-chat from the DJ.

Good opportunity

For the most part, a group of six young Christian revellers occupied the centre of the dance area. Their knowledge of dance moves rivalling those of their secular counterparts. They won a gift basket for their effort. Another basket was also given to a trio who competed with each other in a dance contest. One was Kevin Henry of Portmore Church of God Youth Group.

He told The Gleaner that the event was exciting and that the music was good.

The young Christian also said he would not change the format. Peter, an older patron, said the event provided a "good opportunity for Christian youths to have a place where they can come and express themselves without the regular strains of can or can't, due to a certain kind of music".

"One of the great things is that the lyrics are Christian lyrics and they can do the things that they enjoy," he said.

Metamorphosis came about as a way of translating the weekly youth church praise parties into a major event, in essence, a session for churchgoers, explained Antoinette Campbell, a member of the organising team.

"Metamorphosis is two-pronged; one to energise the youths for Fun in the Son, and two, to take the young ones who are overlooked in the party scene and show them that there is an alternative."