Papa San: from rude boy to Christian

His conversion from rude boy to choir boy rocked the Jamaican music scene, but the entertainer known as Papa San takes it all in stride. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods was on hand at the airport when the artist arrived in the country this morning.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

Shortly after arriving in Belize, Tyrone Thompson better known as “Papa San” was welcomed by the Heavenlies Gospel Band and Belize City Councillor Lillette Barkley-Waite. The Gospel Dance Hall artist is in Belize to perform for one night only in the 2001 Revolution Concert.

Gilbert Gordon, Manager, Heavenlies Gospel Band

“What we did we went on tour with the Revolution Concert and we wanted to climax the revolution concert, so we invited the gospel artists. Of course the main idea behind the Revolution Concert is that we know it’s all about change and we are focusing on seeing a change in the hearts and minds of all Belizeans.”

That spiritual change was experienced by Papa San several years ago. The artist, who was known for his hard core dance hall music,

says he had just completed an album when he was inspired to do something positive with his life and career.

Tyrone Thompson, “Papa San”

“I’ve already tried everything and it never work. I tried fame, it never worked. I flirted, it never worked. Money, I made it, it never worked. Hit songs, I have it, it never worked. But there was a small voice, there was something to my thought I should say, not a literal voice there is something saying to my mind that I should go to church.”

Papa San says his lyrics are based not only on his life experiences, but on the scriptures.

Tyrone Thompson

“I’m getting my message across the Lord is doing his work. I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of kids, teenagers saved through the ministry, because Christ uses us to go back to those people to deliver the news.”

“Papa San” is accompanied by members of his Victory Band. Ian Mariano, the public relations officer for the Heavenlies Gospel band, says this is one performance you don’t want to miss.

Ian Mariano, P.R., Heavenlies Gospel Band

“Papa San is someone who is very energetic, he is someone who is very grounded in the spirit. He’s someone who will make a lot of positive delivery of himself and of his personal beliefs.”

The concert is expected to last for four hours and will include other entertainment for the family to enjoy. Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.

The show gets underway this Saturday night at eight at the Belize City Centre.