When minister of music, Trinidad and Tobago-born songwriter, arranger and singer Jimmy Lalla entered The Camera office for an interview a Caribbean lime ensued, a kind of Yadah Praise.
Reaching up to God with extended hands – that’s Lalla’s style. Picture this: The entire army of Judah marched behind a host of singers into battle, the choir not hiding behind shields, not wringing their hands in fear but marching with their hands lifted high in praise to God.
As we meet Lalla, there go the hands and, of course, the feet with passion for his Creator in joy unspeakable. It’s a different kind of jump and wave.
That’s the message beamed live from The Jimmy Lalla Gospel Show Monday to Friday from 3-4 p.m. and Monday to Friday from 8-9 a.m. at www.sprlive.com.
Lalla got his Yadah on as he shared the stage with some of the leading Gospel artists in the world including Israel Haughton, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Judith Gayle, and Papa San.
Raised hands are the universal sign of surrender and Lalla has been there, done that when he experienced a near-death situation. “I am happy to be alive!” Lalla said. Why? “In 2006, I survived a massive stroke, my right side was paralyzed. In 2007 I survived a major heart attack and was hospitalized for six days.”
His experience birthed God’s direction for his life, he said. “Songs I had never heard before, resulting in giving God thanks via a CD, entitled I Follow the Cross.
“All the songs are originals and came to me when I could not remember properly. Through it all His grace and mercy brought me through.”Those include Christmas Gospel parang songs likes Jesus is my Sweetbread.
His first album, I Follow the Cross was released in 2008. GMA Canada gave it two Covenant Award nominations for Best Traditional Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
“I won the 2008 GMA Canada Fan Choice Award. This win led to the album being inducted into the National Archives Library of Canada. By the end of 2008, I was acknowledged as a Caribbean gospel singer, songwriter, international gospel recording artist, and producer,” Lalla recalled. Lalla said his second album Blazin’ for Jesus received two GMA Canada nominations for Best Calypso / Reggae Song of the Year and Best Traditional Song of the Year.
His international awards include the 2010 En Sound Music Award Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (U.S.A.), the 2009 World Time Ministries of Jamaica Excellence in Gospel Music Award and the 2010 Joy FM 90.1 OF St. Lucia Artist of the Year Award and more.
He said he’s humbled by God’s blessings and gives thanks that his music ministry has exploded.
His enthusiasm is freely made of faith, an act of worship, resulting in a continuation of service to the community in the classic hymn Oh To Be His Hands Extended.
Lalla said Jesus teaches that abiding with Him is critical to the success of his service in Him. “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.”
In these days of prosperity theology, we must adhere to sound doctrine which may seem in less demand because it brings responsibility, accountability and discipline. “We must look at the doctrine of God’s word as the anchor of our faith. The doctrine taught by the New Testament writers still stands approved of God as the only way to Heaven,” Lalla said.
He said his ministry is made up of common, ordinary men who responded to the call of God. “Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain. (John 15:16).”
Dearly Beloved Eyesers, Lalla realizes his relationship with God in his creativity is the only authenticity worth claiming, so his dedication to songwriting, composing and singing is a testament to that lifestyle.
He said he is reminded of D.L. Moody who was not a success simply because he never became wealthy.
Success can never be measured in dollars and cents, it can only be judged in terms of service in faith as a labour of love. Find out more at www.Jimmylalla.com.