Trinity Sound Crew are not newbies on the Christian music scene.

Founder Brotha Richie, whose real name is Lynwood Richardson, has been working to reach young people through gospel reggae, hip hop and dancehall music since 1997.

He and Mark Phillips (DJ Total Package) are flying to Tampa, Florida next week for the Flavour Fest Conference — one of the biggest Christian music gatherings in the world.

The pair will have access to exclusive training and workshops while showcasing Bermuda’s island-style music on the turntable.

It’s been a dream of theirs for the past two years.

“From the moment we went to Flavour Fest as guests I said to Lynwood ‘We can do this and DJ these events’,” Mr Phillips said.

“I just believed in what we were doing — our talents and gifts — and knew that we had something special to offer.”

They spent months building a relationship with the event’s founder, Pastor Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen.

“Since 2013 they’ve been shouting out to Bermuda all the time through their media, so we expressed how we’d love to be a part of the festival and bring the Caribbean, authentic dancehall feel to it and Pastor Tommy liked that idea,” Mr Richardson said.

“The festival features mostly hip hop music, but from the time I was able to get my tickets for this year’s event we said we’d love to DJ, serve and take part in workshops. We got the official confirmation we had been chosen a couple of months ago.”

Mr Phillips, 38, has always been into hip hop.

He started listening at the age of five and grew up listening to Naz, Jay-Z, Notorious BIG and Tribe Called Quest.

A janitor at church introduced him to Christian rappers The Cross Movement, about 14 years ago.

“That’s how I found out about the genre when I was 22 or 23. From there I just went all out.

“God took that passion I had for hip hop and turned it around for his glory whereas now I can find these artists and fill that void and gap, without compromising on my faith.”

He met Mr Richardson in a barber shop shortly after.

About three years ago, they decided to work together. “[He] called me on a Monday afternoon to see if I would be a part of the Soul Food Mix he did on Hott 107.5,” said Mr Phillips. “He was praying about it and after taking a break from it for a few years just couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to start it back up.

“I became a part of it and just by the group being on radio every Sunday I grew as a DJ. It’s also caused me to get out of my comfort zone because I have to do a news segment, which has had its ups and downs and ins and outs, but it stretched me as a person.”

Mr Phillips said it’s given him a lot of exposure and easy access to artists in the Christian community.

“We are working for a major radio station on a Sunday afternoon. It took me some time to realise the importance and the magnitude of that and what kind of impact we have on the listeners that tune in.”

Mr Richardson said he’s most proud of the feedback they’ve received — even from people outside the church community.

“We were bringing hard hip hop, reggae and dancehall, but it was saturated with gospel lyrics from a Christian world view and people dug it,” he said. “It was food for their soul and they can sit there and have the whole family jamming out and they don’t have to worry about what their children are listening to.

“We’ve heard from church people who, as soon as church is out, they go to their cars to listen. Nearly once a week, every week, people would say, ‘Hey man, keep doing what you’re doing’. It was powerful to hear that from the get-go. It’s not just about playing music and DJing, it’s about the relationship we have with each other and how we recognise our source is God. We pray before and after we do the show and crack the mic. What people are seeing on the stage or hearing on the airwaves is because we have a good friendship.”

Mr Richardson said the gig has given him a deep sense of purpose.

“I say this all the time, ‘Where purpose isn’t known abuse is inevitable’.

“When I finally realised I’m here on purpose and that the life the Father has given me and the gift He’s given me, it’s all for a purpose, that’s what kept me going.

“I wake up every morning with purpose — and that’s no joke. You have people out there who exist and don’t know why they’re here, but are just floating through life, but when you actively pursue your passion, doors open and opportunities come your way.

“You have a fire. You just burn with passion so that’s really key.”