IT’S often been said that children learn what they live.
For gospel artiste and songwriter Shantal Lindsay, truer words were never spoken.
Growing up in a God-fearing household in scenic Buccoo, Tobago, Lindsay was raised in a “church environment” where gospel music was an integral part of her life.
But, she said, while her mother, a single parent in her 20s constantly stressed the importance of having a relationship with Jesus, her home was not always spiritually grounded.
“She (mother) would often tell me that the greatest gift she could give me in life was Jesus and witnessing my relationship with Him would make her the proudest parent,” 30-year-old Lindsay told WMN.
She said despite her mother’s experiences in the secular world, she eventually found her way back to Christ and is, today, a “powerful woman of God and worshipper.
“Her example and teachings have left a lasting impact on me.”
Lindsay’s love for gospel music was also influenced by her experiences at Buccoo’s famous street party, Sunday School.
“I believe that anyone born in the 90s or earlier can relate to the notion of learning their first gospel song in Sunday school. It is a foundational experience that shaped my appreciation for gospel music and contributed to its significance in my life.”
Apart from gospel music, Lindsay was also exposed to the music of Bunji Garlin (Ian Alvarez), Beenie Man (Moses Anthony Davis) and others from a young age.
“I recall instances where Bunji Garlin and others would be in my living room, jamming with small African drums, while I was around five years old or slightly older but as I matured, I began to understand the distinction between gospel and secular music.”
She said although several secular songs had caught her attention, “Gospel music became the best choice for me and I never turned away from it since.”
Lindsay recalled during her early years, she also faced many challenges and gospel music was a source of solace and strength.
“In those difficult times, I believe that writing and creating music would have also been therapeutic, allowing me to express my emotions and release the burdens I carried.”
At the Signal Hill Secondary School, which she attended, Lindsay’s passion for gospel grew. Many of her peers were Christians who also embraced the genre.
“So it felt natural for us to gravitate towards each-other in high school, where we often found ourselves gathering in the music room during lunch breaks for impromptu singing sessions.”
That passion led to the formation of a gospel band called Matrix, which first performed at a teachers’ Christmas dinner at the school.
She said several of the band’s members have gone on to become top musicians and tutors, collaborating with renowned artistes in the country, in both the gospel and secular arenas.
Lindsay credits Tricia Bocage-Sobers, a respected gospel minister and singer, for providing “invaluable training and mentorship” during her formative years as an artiste.
She said under Bocage-Sobers’ guidance, “I discovered the powe
