Papa San

Papa San, born Tyrone Thompson on July 1, 1967, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a gospel reggae artist and ordained minister. Raised in Spanish Town by his Rastafarian grandmother, he began his music career in the late 1970s performing with sound systems and became a prominent dancehall artist in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his rapid-fire lyrical delivery, which earned him the nickname "Marathon Man," he made history in 1994 as the first dancehall artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Chart with his single "The Programme." In 1997, Papa San converted to Christianity and shifted his musical focus to gospel reggae. He was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 2011 and, with his wife Debbie Thompson, founded Our Fathers Kingdom International Ministries. His catalog of gospel albums includes *Victory*, *Real & Personal*, *God & I*, *Higher Heights*, and *My Story*. He has also released singles such as "I Will Survive" and "Devotion," featuring Nichole Salmon. A Stellar Award winner, Papa San has also earned nominations for Dove and Soul Train Awards. His albums have reached the Top Ten on the Billboard Gospel chart, and he has collaborated with artists including Kirk Franklin, TobyMac, and Lecrae.