Rhonda Dowlat Monday, July 3 2006

Gospel singer Winsie-Ann Cuffie took her music to another level – on the international stage, during a recent trip to the United States .

She was a special guest artiste at “The Time Of Refreshing Convention” – that involved several churches, ministries, pastors and Christian business leaders, with delegates from 31 nations. The centre of activities was in New York, with related events in Houston, Texas and New Jersey.

Winsie-Ann has been very effective locally and regionally in reaching young people, as well as the older folks, with her music, which comprises a variety of styles.

She also hosts a popular radio daily music and motivational feature entitled Winning With Winsie-Ann – on 98.1FM.

The energetic singer appears in virtually every major gospel singing event locally and successfully made her debut on the international stage last year. Via the 98.1 FM Internet facilities, her music and motivational ministry is heard around the world.

Winsie-Ann’s first item in the New York event was her catchy “Warfare Cry/Taking My Miracle.” From the moment she appeared on stage, fully clad in military outfit, the crowd roared in excitement. This mood rapidly expanded, as a sizeable section of the international audience joined in singing along with her, clapping, dancing and praising.

She was invited back on stage several times during the eight-day tour, to perform her various hit renditions. Among the popular numbers she sang were: “Say Yea” (which immediately infected the audience) and the gospel chutney “Jesus I Love You, I Won’t Let You Down.”

There were special demands for the abstinence songs – “Abstinence All The Way and Total Abstinence, Total Commonsense,” which carry profoundly sobering messages. Particularly interesting was how the widely multi-cultural audience sang along and danced to the gospel chutney song. Winsie-Ann described the US experience as very fulfilling. “My aspiration is to use my God-given gifting and talent to inspire, encourage and empower people. This is what I saw on that US mission and I really feel a sense of fulfillment,” she said.

A key point on the trip was the manner in which Winsie-Ann bonded with the young people. “They just love her – the whites, blacks, Hispanics. It’s obvious that they deeply appreciate a young role model and it is like they don’t want her to leave,” said minister Paul Roberts. He was one of the co-ordinators of the event.

Explaining her ministry package Winsie-Ann said, “It is not good enough to only sing to people, if you really want to reach them. You must get deeper at times to show them that you really care, that you sincerely love them.

This requires a degree of direct interaction.” Winsie-Ann received several invitations after her performances and will be back in the US in a few weeks. During the school vacation she will also be busy fulfilling engagements and making recordings.