The Tribune

CONDOLENCES and tributes have been pouring in for gospel legend Kevan “Kevi Kev” McKenzie, who died on Monday at Doctors Hospital with his family by his side.

Friends and fans described the 51 year old as a fearless trailblazer and the “prince of Bahamian gospel music”.

Kevan had been diagnosed with colon cancer several years ago and fought vigorously against the disease.

He was considered by many to be the pioneer of the modern Bahamian gospel sound, infusing elements of Junkanoo and Rake & Scrape to create a unique and fresh mix.

Career

Kevan’s career in gospel music started as the lead singer for the Gospel Music Train, which disbanded after 10 years together.

He recorded and released his debut album “In Love Again” in the late 1980s, injecting into to the mostly traditional gospel music scene of the time, a fresh and contemporary approach.

The album included several hit songs like “Better”, “In Love Again”, “Too Much Crime” and “Promised Land”, which became one of his signature pieces and a concert favourite.

For many years, Kevan recorded with his chart topping producer and brother Dillon “D-Mac” McKenzie.

In 2011, Kevan released his first double disc CD entitled “From My Heart to Yours – The Greatest Hits of Kevan ‘Kevi Kev’ McKenzie”, which featured many of his most popular songs.

He was also involved in business, and was the founder and president of the Service Centre on Solider Road and the developer of the Hubert McKenzie Estates in Sea Breeze, named after his father the Late Bishop Hubert McKenzie. He won many awards throughout his career including several Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards for his solo work, as well as for his contribution to several projects by Bahamian musician and producer Chris Fox.

One of Kevan’s most treasured accomplishments was when he entered and won the Commonwealth Song Competition in the early nineties with an original composition called “Commonwealth Pie” – which beat out submissions from many large African countries as well as Australia, India, New Zealand and many others.

Focus

Kevan’s most recent focus was on developing the budding music careers of his two youngest sons, Karrington and Antuwan, who collaborated on two remakes of their father’s songs – “Proud Lil Bahamians” and “Drivers Seat Remix”.

Kevan was recently selected by the Real Men Ministries International Bahamas as one of 40 men to be honoured during their upcoming 40th Anniversary National Men’s Awards to be held in August.

His son Karrington will perform a special tribute to his father.

Kevan leaves behind his wife Angela, his children Kevra, Ashton, Karrington and Antuwan, his sisters Laverne and Judith and his two brothers Humphrey and Dillon, a granddaughter De’Ann Bostwick, his son in law Earl Bostwick as well as a number of family members and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly, the family said.