Levy’s Heritage Reflects on 20 Years in Ministry and Their Upcoming Album, The Triad
Levy’s Heritage has spent the last 20 years as one of Jamaica’s most influential gospel groups, with unforgettable songs like One Touch, multiple Sterling Gospel Awards, and two acclaimed studio albums. While many know them for their gospel anthems, we spoke with the sibling trio about their early musical journey, the story behind their name, and what it’s like doing ministry together as family.
They also gave us a glimpse into their upcoming 20th anniversary celebration, Champion Festival, which will mark the launch of their third album The Triad and feature gospel heavyweights including Kevin Downswell, Sista Patt, Lubert Levy, and more.
Looking back from 2005 to today, how does it feel to see the influence Levy’s Heritage has had on gospel music in Jamaica?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: To be honest, sometimes we are unaware of our impact because we consider ourselves servants of God first and just oracles of the gospel. When we do step back and view life from a different angle, we must say that it’s a joyful feeling to be accepted as a game changing group and to be loved by our supporters. To God be all the glory.
Before Levy’s Heritage officially came together, Oshin, you were a soloist while Ovando and Oneil performed as the Levy Brothers. It was your father, Lubert Levy, who encouraged you all to join forces. How did those early experiences, singing separately, shape each of you, and what would you say has been the difference in impact since uniting as a group?
OSHIN: Those early years really helped to train me vocally and refine my performing skills. It was also an avenue for me to express my love for God as a Christian; baptized at 8 years old.
ONEIL: Those days I was more of a supporting vocalist and background dancer for Ovando lol, but I learned a lot through competitions like Tastee talent show, where I started to appreciate singing upfront more and also developed my love for drumming which I still do today.
OVANDO: I must commend our father and mentor for just giving us what he had; his faith and music, and that really helped to shape our sound and ministry. Now, we can say that we’re seasoned in the industry and when we came together, we were and continue to be a force for the Kingdom.
The name Levy’s Heritage definitely carries weight. Who came up with it, and what was the reason behind choosing that name?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: We are from a family of singers and ministers, and so that really inspired the name. We had a few options like ‘Tripple O’ and ‘ROJ’, but eventually we collectively settled on Levy’s Heritage; a name inspired by our lineage.
If each of you had to choose a favourite song you’ve recorded together, which one would it be and why does it stand out for you?
OSHIN: It’s pretty challenging to choose one, because each track has its own meaning and we consider them our babies lol, but I’d probably say The Recipe. It was a pretty good vibe and bonding moment during the session.
OVANDO: This question is like asking me to choose which one of my children I love lol, and I’m not that type of parent but secretly, I love Endurance from our new album, because I get to do it with my children from work and brother in the ministry.
ONEIL: Mus Get Betta is dear to my heart from our 2nd album, because it was my first opportunity to really guide the production and writing process from end to end.
We also established a home studio for our recent projects, so I’d say anything recorded at home from the new album. We’ve really just had the time to relax, listen to each other and sing the songs on a deeper level.
Let’s talk about One Touch. You won the JCDC Gospel Song Competition in 2012 with that song. I remember it well; the track was a hit. What did that victory mean for you, and in what way did it influence you as a group?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: One Touch was considered the song of the season for Jamaica’s 50th independence celebration, and we were truly blessed by that win. Us winning the competition in that year really placed the group on another level, and exposed us to different kinds of environments and opportunities. We were basically everywhere. Much love to JCDC, we’ll always appreciate the experience.
Since then, you’ve released two albums (1touch and Summoned: Submitting to the Call), and now you’re preparing to launch your third, The Triad. Looking back, describe your growth from that very first project to now?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: Our growth has been gradual and steady, and you will hear it in each body of work when you start to compare. In 2013, the focus was really to get the ministry more visible and expand our base after winning the festival, but today we are just simply grateful for the blessings of God, the different supporters and ministry partners he has placed in our lives, and the endurance to keep going. So you’ll hear that in our messages and our sound.
The Triad is such an intriguing title. What’s the inspiration behind the name, and what can listeners expect from the songs on this upcoming album in terms of sound and message?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: The Triad represents the group as a trio, the launch of our 3rd studio album, and, most importantly, the holy trinity of God, as well as, how the number 3 reflects divine completeness in the Bible.
Listeners can just expect music that’s coming from our hearts, high quality praise and worship songs, and just overall a sound that reflects our growth in the industry for over 20 years.
Do you have any special collaborations or features on this project, or is that something you’ll be keeping as a surprise?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: We do (rubs palms together), but we want our supporters to come to our launch and anniversary celebration on November 1 in Portmore to experience it.
Beyond the new album, what can attendees look forward to experiencing at the Champion Festival?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: A day of just beautiful interaction and powerful ministry. We’ll have some of our partners on site to engage with supporters, we’ll have merch for purchase, our VIP patrons can expect keepsakes, and we’ll be awarding a few ministry helpers who have aided the development of our ministry over the years.
Plus the line up? Stellar! Kevin Downswell, Sista Patt, Lubert Levy, Orville Sutherland, Old Harbour High School choir, Cario Young, Minister Howdy, and several other special guests will be there. Patrons can get more info on the ticket platform https://spurropen.com/LevysHeritage or follow our event page on Instagram @lh_championfestandanniversary
You’ve led this incredible ministry as siblings for two decades now. What has the journey been like working together, especially as family, while balancing faith and music?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: It’s been a great Journey together. Of course there are challenges, but we genuinely love and trust each other so that makes ministry easier. We have some strong supporters as well who always encourage us, and that has really helped us to stay focus, along with the great commission of God of course.
After all these years, what would you say is the overall mission of Levy’s Heritage?
LEVY’S HERITAGE: Our mission is to simply inspire, to know Christ and to make him known. We hope our music will impact generations to come and that God will continue to use us.
The Champion Festival will be held on November 1 at 7 p.m. at the Heart Colleges of Construction Services Auditorium, in Portmore, St. Catherine.
