In late 1997, the ballad Baby I’ve Got News For You was released in Jamaica by Revue Records to little fanfare. But early in the next year, the song became a monster hit for singer Shalom.
He was unknown to the mainstream, but hardcore dancehall fans knew him as Steve Harper, a protege of singer/producer Sugar Minott.
“The song opened a lot of doors for me. I toured Africa twice and I even did some shows in the US. I also performed in Malawi with Congo Jesse and some other artistes. It was a good time,” said Shalome in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.
Fifteen years ago, Shalom turned his back on secular music and became a Christian. He is pastor at the International Faith in Action Deliverance Ministries in Spanish Town.
Sugar Minott
“I was in New York and went to see my girlfriend (now his wife) who was at church. She was on the ground and in the spirit. The pastor who was preaching then touched me and that’s how I got saved,” he recalled.Since his conversion, Shalom has recorded inspirational music. He often performs with the Katalyst Crew, a gospel group.
“Since I became a Christian it has been a good ride. I have no complaints. Praising the Lord gives me a lot of joy. It has been a good walk with the Lord and I’m determined to hold on to the end,” he said.
Originally from East Kingston, Shalom grew up in Waterhouse and Chisholm Avenue, the latter a stone’s throw from Minott’s Youthman Promotions company. He made his recording debut in 1986 as Stevie Wonda with the song Teenage Lover, produced by Minott.
Shalom (Steve Harper)
He recorded a number of cover songs for Minott using his real name before settling on Shalom in the late 1990’s, when he linked with Phil Mathias of Revue Records.
To capitalize on the success of Baby I’ve Got News For You, the company released an album of the same name, produced by Mathias. But a follow-up hit single never materialized.
Shalom has been singing a different song for almost 20 years.
“The music I do now it’s inspirational music, which touches the hearts of people,” he said.
His current releases include Good News For You, and Woman And God Onlyfeaturing Omari.
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