NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Turning tragedy into inspiration and glory is the message behind “Sleep On (Remix Island Style)”, the new gospel single released by Bahamian creative extraordinaire Dominique Forbes.
The song is dedicated to the memory of Forbes’ cousin, Devon Brown, and she said the idea to create it came to her shortly after his death.
“The idea to create this version of my gospel song came to mind when I visited my family members in Bain Town after the death of my cousin, Devon Brown, in late October 2020,” said the artist who previously rapped under the name JP (Junior Prodigy) and who earned her start in music by winning the Guinness Talent Search in 2011.
“I listened to several songs that were playing in the background at the time. All of the songs mourned the loss of someone, so immediately my attention was arrested.
“I wrote this song moments after I received the final phone call from my mother late that night telling me that my younger cousin was dead.
“‘Sleep On (Remix Island Style)’ was and still is intended to be a biblically-based song that simultaneously grabs and maintains the attention of the listeners all around the world, especially those who reside in the inner-city such as the community of Bain and Grants Town, where my cousin’s memory lives on today.”
Forbes, an entrepreneur and speaker who has already published two books — a family-friendly e-book entitled “Where Is Daddy?” and a poetry book entitled “Mamma, Do You Love Me?” — spoke of holding fast to faith even after the loss of a beloved family member.
“My aunt is now without her son, yes. Brothers and sisters now mourn, yes. Extended family members like myself, neighbors, schoolmates, his girlfriend, friends, teammates, employers, coworkers, associates and all who have come into contact with this young man all weep, yes,” she said.
“However, God is still on the throne, so I choose to sing about this.
“God may allow misfortune to happen to bring glory and honor to his name. Hence the reason he is going to allow this song to serve its purpose but death is not the heavenly father’s doing.”
Forbes said this belief is also what inspired the song’s name, as she believes “my cousin will remain asleep until Christ comes”.
The song was released on July 30 and is available on Spotify, iTunes, Youtube and other platforms; and Forbes also hinted that different versions of the song will be released in the future.
For more information on “Sleep On (Remix Island Style)”, contact Forbes at dlforbes2015@gmail.com; visit her on social media at DominiqueForbes242 on Facebook or @Dominiqueforbesglobal on Instagram; or visit her blog at www.patreon.com/DominiqueForbes.
