“Goodbye World” is the first track from Kevin Downswell’s brand new album entitled “All The Way”, Kevin Downswell is an International Jamaican Gospel Artiste whose songs have had tremendous impact on the international community.
Son of Westmoreland, in Western Jamaica, Kevin Dwayne Downswell like many other evangelists, has a story; a unique story that takes his journey across four parishes on the small island. He grew up in a town called Smithfield and attended Unity and Ferris primary schools in Savanna-la-mar, before moving to Hellshire Park in St. Catherine where he attended the Port Henderson Primary School.
Amidst the many challenges he faced as a child, especially financially, he was always at the top of his class in school. A well-mannered young lad, Kevin would walk diligently for two miles to school each day and 2 miles back to a community with no electricity. This did not phase him, as he would crouch under the faint light of a kerosene oil lamp to ensure that his home work was complete and to be ready for exams. He later graduated from Jose Marti Technical School and Camperdown High School in Kingston.
Kevin’s gift of music did not surface until he was about 13 years old, when family members and friends over-heard him singing on his downtime. Some were amazed and were not aware of how great his vocals were. Kevin would sing in church, school and small functions, but it wasn’t until 2003 that he emerged as a rising gospel artiste when he entered and won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) Gospel Song Competition. His journey in ministry was now fully activated. In 2005, Kevin was ordained to the office of an evangelist, the same year he graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry. His hopes of becoming a medical doctor would now come to a halt as he stepped into full-time ministry. Though this was not an easy decision, Kevin felt God’s calling with confirmation from mentors who guided him through this life changing journey. He knew God’s unmistakable voice, for this was the same voice that had given him direction throughout his childhood years when he needed it most.
Kevin Downswell – “Goodbye World” – Official Music Video
Click photo above to download the broadcast master
In 2005, he had his first major hit “Naah Bow” on which he collaborated with DJ Nicholas and Jermaine Edwards. The song won the 2006 Marlin Awards for Best Reggae Recording of the Year and has become an anthem to youths across the Caribbean. It did not end there, he was one of a few Jamaican artistes chosen to be a part of an international compilation album produced by Tennyson Walters of Our Father’s Music Business, located in New Jersey in the U.S. This album became the first reggae album to top the New York and Florida charts simultaneously in 2006. A major feat for Kevin, as his two contributions to this album namely: “Evildoers (Fret Not)” and “Since the World Didn’t Love Me” was being played across the world in various territories such as Japan, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. God was gradually enlarging his borders and in that same year he had his first international tour in Canada.
In 2008 he released his first studio album Close to You, dubbed ‘one of the most successful debut projects’ by a Jamaican gospel artiste. He made the charts that same year with his title track Close to You. The album quickly gained steam worldwide, hitting the top spots on charts in
the US, UK and Canada. Four years later he released his sophomore album The Search Continues, which catapulted his ministry and presence on the local and international gospel scene. The hit single You make me Stronger has become an anthem for gospel enthusiasts and fans all over.
Downswell earned many accolades for his work in the gospel ministry including the award for Male Artiste of the year by the New York-based Love Gospel International Awards; Youth View Award for Favorite Gospel Artiste in Jamaica for two consecutive years; Star Award for Gospel Artiste of year and Love 101 FM Engage Alien Award for Artiste of the Year. Other achievements include nominations for the Marlin Award; Atlanta Gospel Music Award; Paramount Gospel Music Award for Best Male Vocalist; E.M.E Award; the International Reggae & World Music Award among others. During his career, Downswell has been privileged to share the stage with some of gospels greatest; Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Tye Tribbett and Michael W. Smith and many others. He has done numerous performances in the US, Canada, across the Caribbean, South America, Europe, including the UK, Japan and parts of Africa including Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
Kevin Downswell – “Goodbye World” – Official Music Video
Click photo above to download broadcast master
His latest track, entitled “Goodbye World”, was birthed during a band rehearsal, where Downswell and his team were preparing for an event. This particular song was an old chorus sung by many in the Caribbean, but on Jamaican-Ska, traditional beat. But knowing Downswell, whose creativity is second to none, his mind went wild as he began to construct a complete different beat and vibe to these traditional lyrics. The end result is what you now hear.
This new version of Goodbye World is already a hit in the Caribbean and other parts of the world. Other hits from Min. Downswell are songs such as “You Make Me Stronger”, “If It’s Not You (then Lord it’s nothing)”, “Close To You”, “Already Done” and others…
Be blessed by this track which is a mix of EDM with an interesting Jamaican Twist that will lift your spirit and remind you that this world is not all there is, a better place awaits. It will encourage you, inspire while causing you to dance, dance, dance. The bridge ” This World is like a corridor…” Is originally written by Kevin Downswell and this Track was produced by Dwane ” Wiya” Campbell of Barb Wiya Productions from Kingston Jamaica. Goodbye World and the recently released All The Way Album by Kevin Downswell can be purchased from all online stores worldwide.
Since 2008, I've been passionately dedicated to fostering unsigned artists through ExposedVocals.com. Over nearly 15 years, my mission has evolved from creating a platform to immersing myself in the world of independent musicians. Beyond showcasing music videos, I delve into undiscovered talent with music reviews, aiming not just to display but to understand, appreciate, and amplify their voices. Additionally, I've had the privilege of interviewing music industry legends, bringing their insights to unsigned artists globally. My overarching goal is to bridge gaps, provide invaluable knowledge, and empower the next generation of musical trailblazers.
