The Tribune

LAST Sunday’s tragic plane crash on Grand Bahama claimed the lives of nine people, among them hip hop and gospel music pioneer Lavard “Manifest” Parks.

Manifest, his wife, Radel, and their son, Johanan, 5, were on board the Lear 36 executive jet with six others – including Dr Myles Munroe – when it went down near the Grand Bahama Shipyard. The couple, newly ordained Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI) youth pastors, were expecting to welcome their second child into the world in April next year.

This week, gospel music artists remembered their fallen colleague.

V-Mac:

“Lavard and I were business partners. We started the country‘s first Christian youth online radio station (Ultimate Vibes Radio) together. We have also travelled the doing ministry together throughout the Bahamas, the US, the Caribbean and even Canada. He always had a passion for young people, to bring change and hope to the hopeless. He always made sure he put God first, then his family, in everything he did. If I were to be completely honest, I would go as far to say that he is one of the main reasons that many know of me. He was the first person to introduce me to an international stage, the first person that gave me honest opinion and critique on my music, the First person that I shared the vision of 242Untapped with and had faith in me that I could have happened. He considered me to be his favourite gospel artist. He would always consider me for any and almost every initiative or events he produced.

We last spoke hours before his boarding his flight to Freeport. (We) made plans for this upcoming week, as well as confirmed a show in Africa for February 2015.

All fallen nine will be missed, however, I know within my heart and as a fact of knowing each individual personally, they all have fought a good fight, and they all have contributed something great to society...they have all contributed to the world; we can say that they are the few that did something right and left a legacy for all to follow and continue.

I have worked closely with Manifest on the production of his new album “Forever”, which was scheduled to be released early 2015. I will continue to fulfill his dream and do everything in my power to have that album released next year.”

DJ Counsellor:

“I remember Lavard ‘Manifest’ Parks as a dedicated, loving farther, a talented artist, businessman, a brother, a man with integrity. I remember our last conversation (last) Saturday. He was a leader, focused – an example for this generation who stood for something. I remember him always asking me to sing his son’s favourite song, “Superman”. Manifest recorded my first song, “Hail Him Up”. Pastor Lavard and Radel Parks and Jojo will be missed. We all remember how they impacted our lives, we miss and love them.”

Mr J:

“I first met Manifest back in 2003. He approached me about recording a single to be added to a compilation project he was working on called “New Breed”. He was a quiet, humble, serious, hard-working, diligent and very professional person. Most importantly, he was a young man dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lavard was my go-to professional whenever I needed CD, DVD duplication and packaging work done. He was fair in his prices, competent and skilful and very efficient. His time line for completing work was impressive, and if there was a problem I would not have to call him. He would contact me and update me with the progress of the work. Manifest was truly a dedicated servant of God, a dedicated husband, father and professional.

I still cannot imagine that ‘Fess’ is gone. I cannot imagine that he perished the way he did. I feel it so much for them all. Radel, their son, the family. It’s unbelievable. All I can say is, I know that they are in the presence of the Lord. They died in the Lord Jesus Christ being busy about His work. See you all in the new Jerusalem. Fess, you are right, we gonna live forever.”