Joel Murray, aka Positive, certainly lives up to his sobriquet. Following his 2007 banger, Never Let Go, the Tobago-born gospel reggae artiste has performed throughout the Caribbean and the US, wowing audiences with his distinct vocals and encouraging lyrics. Positive continues to be relevant and consistent where his music is concerned, delivering tracks like Only in the Ghetto, Hold Me Closely and Got To Be Ready- all of which still enjoy regular airplay. Today, the 23-year-old Bishop's High School alumnus is pursuing a Computing and Information Systems degree with the hopes of soon becoming a professional web site designer.
Q: What do you think of when you hear the word Christmas?
A: Christmas means the birth of Christ and celebrating it with family and friends.
How early do you start your Christmas preparations?
It starts from December 1 because my Christmas is like a whole month.
Do you have a family Christmas tradition?
I came from an extended family so everyone comes home (Tobago) for Christmas. The entire family has Christmas breakfast together by my grandmother's house and then we have lunch together by my grandmother's brother on Boxing Day.
Have your views on Christmas changed from when you were a child?
No, because of how I grew up. It was always the same every year and I don't want the memories that I have of Christmas to ever die or change.
Who does the Christmas cooking in your family?
Aunty Moulda.
What is your 'must have' Christmas dish?
Ham and chow and chow. In Tobago we have the best chow chow!
What would be your ideal 2010 Christmas present?
My immediate family celebrating Christmas with me.
What is your Christmas wish for T&T?
That crime will decrease because it's very unpleasant to hear that kind of news in the media.