PETER Edwards — former member of the boy group Q which stole the hearts of teenage girls during the 2005 staging of Digicel Rising Stars — is set to release his debut gospel album in December.

The album, titled Bold as a Lion, is to be released December 17 via Dream It Productions.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, the Canada-based Edwards shared his reasons for giving up a career in secular music, opting instead for gospel.

“What made me walk away from secular music was the fact that I didn’t have joy and there was no peace within. I was restless until I found life in following Jesus Christ. Now I have what I’ve been searching for with fulfilment,” he disclosed.

Edwards began singing gospel in 2008, but it wasn’t until 10 years later that he decided to pursue a career in gospel.

“After meeting Dr Prophet Kofi Danso and Rev Joanne Danso [founders and senior pastors of the Miracle Arena for All Nations in Canada], who discovered the gift and encouraged me to strive for excellence. And they are one of the reasons for my success so far,” said Edwards.

Edwards is scheduled to launch Bold as a Lion on December 17 at the Miracle Arena for All Nations. He produced and wrote all the songs on the album.

Some of the musicians who played on the project include Chris Blair and Francis Owusu.

“The messages on the album are about hope and surviving despite the challenges. People who have faced many obstacles in life, but in the end God will elevate you to the top,” said Edwards.

Among the tracks featured on the album are Live in Me and the title track Bold as a Lion.

Christopher Martin, Kalvin Tahal, Jerome Powell, and Damarah Danni were the other members of the group Q when it was formed in 2004. Martin left the group and later competed in Digicel Rising Stars the same year as the group in 2005. Martin went on to become the winner of that season of Digicel Rising Stars.

As a child Edwards attended the Church of God of Prophecy in Kitson Town, St Catherine, and he says that was where his passion for music was ignited. He later attended St Catherine High School.