Joel “Positive” Murray is an international singer, songwriter and producer hailing from Trinidad and Tobago. He is a pioneer of Caribbean gospel music. Positive rose to the top of his field with the release of his hit single “Never Let Go” in 2007. During 2008, his music crossed over into regional and international music markets within the Caribbean, Africa, North, Central & South America, the UK and parts of Europe. As a result, Positive was founded an album deal with Monty G’s Lion Of Judah Sounds and Mark Mohr’s Lion Of Zion Entertainment.
To date, Positive has released 4 albums. The first, entitled “Never Let Go”, is a 14-track CD that marked the era of a new chapter of life for Positive, a start at gospel reggae. He released his second album “Forever My King” in December 2012, which was in the Top 20 of iTunes Reggae Albums Chart on its debut. Likewise his third album “Stand And Be Counted” debuted at #1 in iTunes Trinidad and Top 25 of iTunes Reggae Albums Chart. Stand And Be Counted also debuted on Billboard’s Top Reggae Albums Chart, a remarkable accomplishment for this young prodigy.
Positive’s 4th studio album “HEARTWIRED” is a spirited 15 track offering that boasts of the love of Jesus Christ. The creative virtual release of this project happened during the height of a global pandemic in November 2020. Its release could not have come at a better time to needfully lift the spirits and hearts of people in a digital era. The album seeked to urge listeners to moments of introspection ensuring that we are always in tune with the Father's heart since this is what ultimately governs our choices and actions. 1 Samuel 16:7b says “for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Putting a positive spin on reggae music, fused with contemporary Gospel and a tinge of dancehall, Positive has earned acclaim from music critics and fans alike, ever since hitting the music scene eight years ago. He was the most-nominated artist (13 nominations) and top honoree (eight wins) at the 2014 Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards (held in Nassau, Bahamas in July 2014), where he received the top awards including Song of the Year for “Blessing After Blessing” and Album of the Year for Forever My King, released in December 2012 from FOX FUSE.
This heavenly collection of new Gospel gems brings a kaleidoscope of flavors, including some new ones for the captivating artist. Such diverse sounds are delivered with the likes of new pop anthem “All Over The World” featuring Jonathan McReynolds (which is co-produced by pop-reggae heavyweight producer Dwayne “Supa Dups” Chin-Quee), one-drop reggae on “Two Man Army” and “Notice Of Eviction,” Afrobeat on “Identify,” dancehall on “Rise Again” featuring DJ Nicholas (which was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Jason “J-Vibe” Farmer), EDM on “Man On Fire,” soca and calypso on “Mighty Healer” and “Blessing After Blessing,” and contemporary Gospel on “Mountain Mover,” “Scars” featuring V. Rose and title track “Stand And Be Counted.”
It sees production from stellar names in pop, Gospel, reggae and soca music, including aforementioned Grammy-winning Supa Dups and Grammy-nominated J-Vibe, soca heavy-hitter Precision Productions along with J Lab Pro and Deer Panteth Productions from Trinidad, and Barbwiya Music of Jamaica, all joining forces with Positive, who produced the majority of the album for his own imprint Bricksvale Records.
Positive describes music as a means sharing uplifting spiritual messages that can change a life for the better. Despite the accolades, this is what matters most. While keeping it real, a listener can appreciate good music as Positive’s perfectionist mentality only inspires him to strive for consistent excellence. He intends to carry the message of Jesus Christ on to as many generations as possible as he continues to walk in the light of God. Determined to be an example to as many youths as possible, he intends to touch the hearts of his audience and spread God’s love.
For how shall the world know who we are? Simple, by the love that we have for one another. Be encouraged as you tune in to this dynamic gospel artiste. 5
Reviews On Recent Success
New York, NY (FOX FUSE) – Trinidad and Tobago gospel reggae artist Positive sees the worldwide release of his sophomore album, Forever My King, today, December 4, 2012, from FOX FUSE. Forever My King debuted on the iTunes Top 20 Reggae Albums Chart, sitting at #19 in the middle of its first day of release - a tremendous accomplishment for this rising Caribbean phenomenon.
Forever My King is a personal prophesy from this profound artist, and the songs bear testament to his faith. “I am a believer in Christ and as such my talents and abilities must be used to glorify the God that I serve,” reveals Positive. “It’s more than just music, it’s worship mixed with the sweet accents of reggae. I desire that this record impact the hearts of its listeners, challenging them to believe and be encouraged in the Lord.”
New York, NY (FOX FUSE) – Gospel reggae star Joel “Positive” Murray shines light on the niche genre with the release of his third studio effort Stand And Be Counted, now available worldwide from all major digital retailers (released on May 5, 2015), from FOX FUSE. Hailing from the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, Positive has earned his reign at the forefront of Gospel reggae as a triple threat – an extraordinary singer, prolific songwriter and genre-bending producer. Stand And Be Counted showcases his seasoned vocals, lyrics and production skills as his divine talents shine on its 15 glorious tracks.
The album debuts at #1 on the iTunes Trinidad and Tobago national Top Albums chart and bows at #25 on the iTunes U.S. Reggae Top Albums chart, on its day of release. It is also featured on the iTunes U.S. Reggae section, receiving a top banner on the Reggae page, along with being selected and listed in the New Music chart, thereby placing the international spotlight on this inspirational artist.
“Standing for the Lord, which is being echoed in the title track of the album, is the theme for the album,” reveals Positive. “We live in a time where the days are evil and we want to represent God in all that we do. I am determined to stand till the end and be counted with the body of Christ. I pray that this album motivates its audience to make a stand.”