Exclusive Interview With Rayon Baugh

In a world still unbridled with uncertainty and in need of encouragement, Rayon Baugh is spreading faith and love through his latest song, “City of God,” featuring Carlene Baugh. Ever since Rayon was a young child in a Christian home in Jamaica, he has been a follower of Christ. He’s also been writing songs since the mere age of 12. Now residing in Virginia, his devotion to God has only grown stronger, as the Almighty God has guided and provided for his family through their new beginnings in the land of endless opportunities. The pandemic reignited his spark to create unique reggae-style gospel music that brings uplifting messages and themes of hope, peace, and worship. However, this isn’t Rayon’s first hit. In 1992, his single “Keep Your Feet on the Ground,” which he originally wrote in 1984, made it in the top 10 of Jamaica’s Gospel festival competition. Choirs still sing this song today, and Rayon’s art is known and recognized in the Caribbean and beyond. With more life experiences and practice advancing his craft, “City of God” and Rayon’s upcoming album will be sure to please any listeners navigating life with the help of God’s goodness.

The pandemic has caused people across the globe to have fear and anxiety about their futures. Many have had to come to terms with loss, not knowing where to turn next. “City of God” reminds listeners that God’s strength and refuge will get them through any obstacle life puts on their path. Leading listeners to the divine presence, Rayon extracts his lyrics directly from the Bible Psalm 46. As he sat at his piano, this verse resonated with him most, as it was a sign from above. He started to sing the psalm, and when his wife Carlene first heard the song coming together, she was impassioned and started to pray along with Rayon’s singing. Carlene being an intercessor, the delivery of her spoken word prayer within the “City of God” track carries great weight. It adds something truly special to this inspiring melody and composition of trusting and believing in God’s will for his people to overcome adversity.

In the midst of COVID-19, Rayon had high expectations from the “City of God” music video. He believed the visual shots capturing the moment he and Carlene were delivering their immaculate Bible rendition in the studio would enhance the message. However, the video surpassed his vision as there was also footage from places all over the world, incorporating the natural beauty of the Earth despite the trying times. It bears that no matter where audiences are and what is overwhelming them, there is no reason to be afraid. The visual for the “City of God” perfectly complements Rayon and Carlene’s stimulating yet soothing performance of the spiritual song.

How would you classify your music?

I would classify my music as inspirational music that seeks to encourage and to bring hope in the world.

Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?

Bob Marley

Ray Charles

Richard Smallwood

Stevie Wonder

Dennis Brown

What do you want fans to take from your music?

I want them to know that God Loves them and that if they have faith in Him and choose HIM, He is faithful and just and will bring them through any situation that they might face.

How’s the music scene in your locale?

The music scene was not too hot but with venues are opening again, so I believe it’s going to be wild. Looking forward for what is to come.

When did you know you were destined for music?

I was singing and writing songs ever since I knew myself at a very young age. I used to create music with anything I could find and play as a procosional instrument as I wrote my  songs. I would sometimes hold a piece of stick in my hand as a mike and sang Infront of the mirror for hours; pretending as if I was in front of a large crowd.

What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live?

The best concert I have every been to is in Jamaica performing at Genesis. This is an all-night concert with some of the top gospel artist in the country. Everyone ministered in their own way and the people dance from 10PM December 31^st back to 9AM January 1^st. The place was charged with worship throughout the entire night. It’s awesome to see God’s people worship. I love to see the audience participation in whatever way they choose, dancing, singing along, crying and just worshipping God.

Is there a song on your latest release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?

It is very hard for me to choose my favorite song among the ones I wrote. I would say that it depends on the season that I am in; then that song appeals to me for that season. If I am going through a season where I need encouragement, then CITY of GOD would speak to me more in that season. We are presently in a season where the world is going through turmoil. We are just trying to get over the pandemic and now we are on the brink of World War 3. In this season, Cit of God will speak to me; that He is my refuge and strength. I also believe that it can meet many people at their lowest point when all they can see around them is fear and anxiety.

How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?

Not being able to attend traditional events was hard. I had to get to know the various social media platforms much more and to find creative ways to maintain a presence.  Performing on social media platforms like FACEBOOK live, Zoom and YouTube as if I was before a live audience has proven to be challenging and stretched me. We often get energy from the audience, so to perform virtually the energy must come from within oneself

If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Bob Marley. He wrote songs that brought about change in a nation that was going through civil unrest. He wrote songs that Transend culture and religion. I would like to ask him how he got through the times when he felt alone and mis-understood by many and if he knew he would become such a global icon.

What’s next for you?

I am completing my worship album ACALL2WORSHIP so I will be in the studio a lot. I hope as the countries open travelling will be easier, and promoters will start to put on more events.  In the meantime, I will continue to connect with my fans virtually on the various social media platforms.