Overcast skies and intermittent drizzling did not stop a superb production of this year's Jamaica Broilers/Glory Music Denbigh Gospel Extravaganza at the Denbigh Showground, Clarendon on Sunday afternoon.

In fact, despite the downpour, the crowd gathered in front of the Jamaica Broilers stage and, when MC Alysia Moulton-White took the mic and shouted 'Hallelujah', the sounds of vuvuzelas and excited voices echoed throughout the venue. This was followed by a short prayer and recognition of the night's sponsors: Hi-Pro Foods, Ace Supercentre and the Best Dressed Chicken.

Moulton-White then introduced the 33-piece choir from the Bethany Apostolic Fellowship from Top Halse Hall, May Pen, who gave a brilliant rendition of the popular hymns, Ride On King Jesus and My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less. They were followed by the dynamic Kimiela 'Candy' Isaacs.

Isaacs, who is not only known to be blind, but also for her exceptional range, gave riveting performances of the contemporary Still I Miss You, the jazz-inspired Swing Low; a mento rendition of Not A Moment To Lose, and a revival medley of Pressing On. She was followed by past Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Gospel winner Septimus, who has moved on to establish himself as a well-known musical minister. His immense energy was shown while delivering I Can't Even Walk, The Blood Medley, Eat The Jamaican Way - a song paying tribute to Jamaica's agriculture, while he finished his energetic set with Carry Go Bring Come.

signature song

Kerron Ennis, who was well received during her 25-minute set with God's Not Done With Me Yet, Turn Things Around, her signature song, Daddy Oh, and more, was followed by one of the night's headliners, Carlene Davis.

Davis, who was accompanied by four backing vocalists, ministered for a wonderful 45 minutes. In addition to Handful of Salt, This Island Needs Jesus, Nobody Greater, her latest single, Jubilee featuring Papa San, she was also well received, especially when she deejayed his part. Davis then took the crowd into deep worship with Days of Elijah, which had the crowd singing every word, and she was later joined onstage by Elder Patrick Palmer of the Emmanuel Apostolic Church, Portmore. During the altar call, hands across the venue were lifted as they said the 'Sinner's Prayer'.

During Goddy Goddy's set, the rains kept coming, but the audience stood their ground as he delivered powerful renditions of Brimstone And Fire, Hallelujah, Chaka Chi, When Now, and Fill My Truck.

As the rains continued to pour even harder, producer of the event Tommy Cowan opted to have the show halted to ensure the safety of the patrons. Many in the audience were pleased and expressed their satisfaction with the many performers and the On The Shout Backing Band at the Jamaica Broilers Group/Glory Music event. Other performers who were presentbut could not appear as a result of the inclement weather were Kevin Downswell, DJ Nicholas and Sister Scully.

Denbigh Gospel Extravaganza could be described as gospel in the rain: a hunger for the Word.