PAGE 03 M.E.X magazine is the new Christian digital magazine from the U.K created by Adam and Matthew Brooks, founders of www.m-briomusic.com the fastest growing, most up to date Christian music website in the world. M.E.X is a Christian music based digital lifestyle magazine featuring articles and stories on modern Christianity, current world affairs and even such things as fashion and gadgets.
Building on the success of www.m-briomusic.com which has had over 9 million hits from over 40 countries world-wide, M.E.X Magazine is set to captivate that audience while attracting a brand new audience to what will be one of the most well-rounded cross-cultural publications in the U.K.
Founded, Edited & Published by: Adam Brooks > adam@m-briomusic.com Matt Brooks > matt@m-briomusic.com
Associate Editor > Estelle Anderson
Contributors Yinka Awojobi > Yvonne Brooks > Donavan Hepburn > Andrew Kirk > Neechy > Jennifer Perry > Iyisha Rocke >
Art Director > Adam Brooks Content Development > Matt Brooks Media Contact > media@ireadmex.com For advertising inquiries contact: e: adam@m-briomusic.com Click Here for the M.E.X Media Pack or view > http://ireadmex.com
Scan this barcode and follow Adam on twitter
Other things we do:
M-Brio Music >
M-Brio Tickets >
M.E.X Magazine >
Name: Matt Brooks Age: 23
Scan this barcode and follow Matt on twitter
Connect with Matt: facebook.com/mattjabrooks twitter.com/mattjabrooks
Name: Adam Brooks Age: 26 Connect with Adam: facebook.com/adambrux twitter.com/adambrux
A WORD FROM THE EDITORS So here it is, M.E.X is finally here. When we started www.m-briomusic.com we never thought we’d be running a website that in 18 months time would have had nine million hits never mind launching our own magazine. To think that the initial idea of starting M.E.X came about a few days into 2011 and in such a short space of time we’ve completed the first issue is still mind-blowing, even for us. We’ve really enjoyed the process of producing this, the very first issue of M.E.X. We’ve done some great interviews with some great artist’s and also managed to get a fabulous... Some would go as far as to say Stellar team of contributing writers from many different walks of life. While M.E.X’s origin lies in music there will be something interesting for everyone, with articles on Christianity, Charity, Purpose, U.K & US Gospel and more. We look forward to embarking on the M.E.X journey with you and are looking forward to many more issue’s of what we believe will be one of the fastest growing Christian online magazine’s firstly in the U.K and then the world at large.
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03 > 05 > 08 > 10 > 12 > 14 > 17 > 18 > 21 > 25 > 29 > 30 > 33 > 34 > 37 > 40 > 42 > 43 > 45 > 46 >
Welcome A Word from the Editors U.K Gospel - Yinka Awojobi Highflight Society US Gospel - Neechy Artist Academy - Matt Brooks Top 10 Free Downloads On Purpose – Yvonne Brooks Interview - Holly Starr Muzo Spot – Donavan Hepburn My First - Matt Brooks Gates Praise Interview Generation 2 Generation – Andrew Kirk The Christian Bubble – Jennifer Perry Cover Story - Guvna B Interview Spotlight - Blaise Paisel My First - Adam Brooks In My Opinion - Ed Bird The ‘C’ Factor – Iyisha Rocke Mix-Tape Madness - Featuring: Mel Monroe PJ Morton E Tizz Onitsha Franklyn Travis Malloy Mighty Scan this barcode and follow us on twitter. Go on... you know you want to...
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#mexmag
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So: M.E.X Magazine. It’s finally here. I can’t believe I’m actually writing for one of the most exciting publications to come out of the U.K in recent times. Welcome to my world. My name is Yinka, and without putting too much of a fine point on it, I’m a huge fan of the U.K gospel scene.
Yinka Awojobi is one of the of the hardest (if not the hard-
est) working men in the Gospel music scene here in the U.K and he’s not an artist or even a manager. For over 10 year’s now he has been working hard to establish and build Gospel music as an industry in the U.K. When many didn’t believe and when other’s didn’t have the foresight he had (to see what is now a thriving and very exciting scene) he picked up the mantle and ran with it. He is a pioneer in Christian media in the U.K and is a very valued asset. He has paved the way for people like us to do what we’re doing now and that’s why he is... The GodFather
Yinka Awojobi UKGospel.com Connect with Yinka: Twitter > FaceBook > Website >
My commission from M.E.X is as broad as it is deep - as it’s scary: ‘write anything you want’. That’s a hugely invigorating prospect. So for this series I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the U.K gospel music industry (before we go any further, I offer my disclosure: I’m from the ‘we do have an industry’ camp). I’ll also bring you people and players I find particularly exciting, and include the almost inevitable nod to the international scene as well. But I suppose it’s best to start at the beginning, with a proper introduction. I set up UKGospel.com just over a decade ago. It started out life as a project supporting the U.K scene, as well as the vibrant independent US sector, but over the years the incredible growth of U.K music in general - and the gospel sector in particular - demanded a dedicated focus. In the intervening years UKGospel.com has had contributions from serious U.K writing and reporting talent, many of whom are professionals in their own right. Then just over 6 years ago what was then generally called ‘e-commerce’ became an achievable commercial possibility, and UKGShop.com was born, supporting 100% U.K gospel product. So between publishing UKGospel.com and running UKGShop.com, it has been interesting to see how U.K gospel artists went about progressing their music careers (or - if it makes you more comfortable - their music ministry). On February 1st 2010 the Premier Media group launched a new music station, Premier Gospel, and I’m privileged enough to co-present the breakfast show on weekday mornings there. So what has all this got to do with M.E.X? Well: I see it this way: between publishing content on UKGospel. com, distributing music via UKGShop.com and co-presenting a radio show on one of the UK’s strongest Christian radio brands, I’m kind of thinking it will be good to share some of the best practices I’ve come across over the years: little tips and tricks that will help if you’re an artist trying to get your music out. That of course will be in addition to all the news and opinion that the Brooks brothers will be kind enough to let me share. So, that’s me. Welcome to M.E.X. It’s going to be an awesome ride.
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take through prayer and discussion. Should we call it quits? Should we press on? Or is there something in between those two we could do? Since that time we made a tough decision to part ways with our rhythm guitar player, Jerad. Soon after that we played an amazing show in Sacramento, Calif., all the while pondering what our next move should be. Anyone who is familiar with our career knows we have had some great successes but also some disappointments. This turn of events with Word obviously falls into the latter category. The response to some of the new songs we played in Sacramento inspired us to at least make an attempt to record an EP of the songs we wrote during the process of being signed to Word. We believe these are some of the best, if not the best songs we have ever written and think it would be a shame if they were never recorded. For those who might not know, our last project was an independent EP (Par Avion 2009). The strength of those songs and the radio success they had are what landed us the ill-fated Word deal. Our self-titled debut came out in 2007 nationwide on Rocketown Records.
As many of you know, back at the beginning of the 2010, we officially signed with Word/Warner Brothers and immediately began the task of writing songs for our major label debut. We were all very excited about all the possibilities that this deal presented for us. We wrote somewhere between 50 and 60 songs, both by ourselves and with some very talented writers in Nashville, Tenn. Just as discussions about who would be chosen to produce the album really began to gear up, the president of Word decided to leave and focus on producing records full time. A new president came in and apparently wanted to shake things up. Before we knew it, our A&R guy had been let go and several bands at the label had been dropped. Unfortunately, we were one of those bands. We got the news back in September and have been trying to fig- We knew we wanted to do (perure out the path our career should haps) one last EP but did not neces-
sarily know how we could accomplish it. That is when we found out about kickstarter.com. Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world and every month, tens of thousands of people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields. On Kickstarter, an artist sets the amount of money needed to do a project and the funding goal must be reached before time runs out or no money changes hands. This is where you, our fans, come in. We have figured out that through our contacts and the amazing people we have met over the years in the industry, we can record a six song EP for $5,000 that we will release on Itunes and other digital formats and also release a few songs to radio. Anyone who wants to donate any amount to help us reach this goal would be greatly, greatly appreciated. For those of you who are able to donate we are offering a number of incentives to help us reach our goal.
“Before we knew it, our A&R guy had been let go and several bands at the label had been dropped. Unfortunately, we were one of those bands. “
Here’s a quick rundown of how we say thank you for your support:
$15 – A signed Par Avion poster $25 – A signed debut album + Par Avion download card $35 – A signed t-shirt $50 – A signed t-shirt (or signed CD) + a phone call from a band member $100 – A signed shirt, CD, Poster + your name or organization listed in the thank you’s $500 – A Skype chat with Jason and Michael with an acoustic preview of an EP track $1000 – A signed guitar with customized HFS art by the band. (HFS will also record with this guitar on the EP!) $2500 – A professional photo taken with the band. YOU are the frontman (or woman). $5000 –You hang with the band in the studio for a day + all our merch
THIS ENDS JAN 31st @ 11:59 PM! So Donate NOW!
www.highflightsociety.net > www.myspace.com/highflightsociety > www.purevolume.com/highflightsociety > www.youtube.com/highflightsociety > www.facebook.com/highflightsociety >
As you’re considering donating to our cause we’d like to remind everyone that this project is bigger than what four guys want to achieve musically. You’re donating to a ministry with songs that have been written to speak to the hearts of people - to change lives through the power of Christ. We want all of you to join us in this mission to help impact our world for God. Artistically speaking, you will also be donating to support creativity and artistic freedom that is all too often snuffed out by record labels and the music industry itself. So many bands and artists like ours are silenced simply because they do not have funding. What are we not hearing because of this? We’re just one of many out there but together we can all stand up and say our message will be heard in spite of the decisions of executives and their money. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read our letter. Thank you for all the support over the years from all over the country; our lives have been greatly impacted because of you. With your help, we look forward to bringing new music to each one of you. Click Here to Donate: >> Blessings, Jason, Michael, John, Scotty
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Neechy Presenter/Journalist
Connect wi Twitter > FaceBook > Youtube > Website >
Happy New Year everyone! 2010 was certainly a great year for Gospel and Christian music. We were able to see many faith-based artists perform on main stream television – Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, and BeBe & CeCe Winans just to name a few. Lot’s of new projects came out, but not to worry – 2011 is full of greatness and already off to a phenomenal start with lot’s of change. I’m excited already! I always enjoy hearing about the accomplishments of those who love Jesus Christ. I love to hear about all of the new ventures and accolades. I have a lot to tell you, so I hope you’re ready! Let’s go! Hip hop artist FLAME has recently launched, not only a brand new album called CAPTURED, but also his own record label! Currently, FLAME’s newest release sits at the #1 spot on Billboard Gospel and #5 on Billboard Christian. That’s not all that’s new in the hip hop world. You’ll recall that both Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and The Ambassador have been long time hit makers on the Cross Movement Roster. During a special event after the 2011 Stellar Awards in Nashville, TN, it was announced that both Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and The Ambassador have inked a deal with Xist Music. Xist Music is the brain child of T. Black and Sean Simmonds. They’ve also launched Xist Filmworks. Their first film called STAND is due out later on this year and features Shirley Murdock, P. Dub, J.R., Coko, Melinda Watts, me (lol), and a ton of other cool cats. Last week, Mary Mary said that if they reached 75,000 twitter followers, they would hook us up with a new song from their upcoming project. They kept their promise, and they released the song called SOMETHING BIGGER. You can check it out on my website at www.neechy.com.
The Aftermath tour will hit Los Angeles, Houston, New York City, and more. And as you can imagine, they have already sold thousands of tickets, so if you want to see them in YOUR city, I would hurry up and purchase tickets asap. You can see all of the tour dates on my website, at www.neechy.com 19 year old Jamie Grace recently inked a deal with Gotee Records. You will likely remember seeing her face during Women of Faith’s popular “Revolve Tour,”. Gotee Records’ will launch Jamie’s debut Hold Me e.p. digitally on February 22, with plans for a full project release in fall 2011.
ith Nechy
She will also join the likes of Britt Nicole, Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew and others as a part of the spring 2011 “Revolve: Dream ON!” tour. The two-day weekend event for teen girls features both inspirational speaking and music. Jamie Grace will be featured as both a speaker and a performer on the tour. For more information on “The Revolve Tour,” visit http://revolvetour. com/ Light records recently signed brothers Dawkins and Dawkins and Sunday Best Runner Up Jessica Reedy! The new release from Dawkins and Dawkins is slated for a second quarter 2011 release and will feature production from the brothers themselves, Warryn Campbell and others. Jessica Reedy, who recently recorded a “I recorded a song, ‘Praise in the House,’ for Deitrick Haddon’s movie, ‘Blessed and Cursed’ – is set to release her project later in 2011.
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After a successful launch in the fall of 2010, Matthew West is announcing the continuation of “The Story of Your Life” tour with opener Josh Wilson. “An Evening of Stories & Songs with Matthew West” provides a moving concert experience as West brings to life the very stories that inspired the songs on The Story of Your Life album. The shared songs and stories will be from his latest album inspired by 10,000 stories he received from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries internationally. The tour kicks off in mid-February and will go into early April. Speaking of Josh Wilson, Yahoo! Music recently launched the world premier of his video for “I Refuse,” - which is now one of my favorite songs! ‘I REFUSE’ is the first single released from Wilson’s upcoming project See You, which will be available February 8th. John P. Kee’s latest album called THE LEGACY PROJECT was released on January 18th. And it features 12 tracks including I KNOW YOU with special guest Fred Hammond AND Rance Allen lends his vocals to 2 of the songs one called ‘blessings’ and the other called ‘Praying For You’. He also grabbed his homie LOWELL Pye for one of my favorite songs on the album called He’ll Welcome Me Medly. Hillsong UNITED – don’t you just love them? Oh my gosh, they’ve got songs for days!! Every church in the country likely sings at least one of their songs during every worship service. Hillsong United will return to North America this February for the 12-city “AFTERMATH” tour. The tour follows the Feb. 15, 2011 release of their 11th full-length album called, ‘AFTERMATH’.
American Idol Season Five Finalist, Mandisa, will release her third studio album on April 5 titled ‘What If We Were Real’. The 11 songs of joy, struggle, worship and redemption encourage shining the light on who we really are, including both the good and the bad. The theme of the record also coincides with parts of Mandisa’s journey as she has publicly discussed her own struggle with weight loss on Today, CNN Online, E! News Live as well as the pages of US Weekly and People. “A struggle is a struggle, and Jesus is there through it all,” explains Mandisa. “He is there in compassion and grace. I have found that what He has spoken to me through these songs has been encouraging and I think that’ll be true for other people who are going through their own hard times.” “That song is very appropriate for me,” comments Mandisa. “When I look back on this year and reflect on the difficult things I’ve gone through, I realize I’ve grown the most not from when things were great, but from when they were hard. ‘Stronger’ is encouragement for anybody who is going through a similar time. As long as you’re still here and still walking through, you’ll be stronger in the end.” Mandisa will be joining well-known comedian Anita Renfroe on the road for the “Girls Night Out with Mandisa & Anita Renfroe” tour starting in March and wrapping in June. For a complete list of tour dates, visit www.mandisaofficial.com. You guys, there is sooooo much to celebrate in the faith based community, God is doing awesome things. I can’t wait to check in with you again and give you more GOOD NEWS!!
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Even in a digital world, where marketing and music can exist in a completely virtual world, the traditional press kit still has its place. So, knowing how to write (and/or post) a professional press release can help you get the word out about what’s going on with your music career. When to Write a Press Release: - Concert/Shows and/or Tour information - Record, Publishing, Merchandising Deal Announcements - Band Personnel Changes/Additions - CD, Digital Single and/or Video Release Information - Any Social Networking or Internet activities - Announcements about anything you (the artist) or your label are doing.
The importance of a press release is often overlooked by artist’s/band’s, managers and sometimes even label’s. For us (Adam and Matt) when choosing content for our website and now M.E.X magazine we look for a few key things that all play a pivotal role in our decision making process. One of the key things any artist/band, manager or label should keep in mind is this... The press/media are you’re friend and if they’re not; it would be a wise decision to build positive relationships with as many press/media personnel as possible. With social networking websites such a twitter, face book and MySpace it’s easy for an artist to believe that they can market their music using these methods alone. Even with the assistance of such website’s, the power of the press/media should never be undervalued. There are many newspapers, magazine’s, website’s, radio stations (and the list goes on) that have a big following of people. They report news and stories to your target audience. People who like the style of music you create but don’t know who you are... YET!
A well written press release – YOU (the artist/band) create the news and the press/media distribute that news. The press/media are not your personal publicist’s; it is not their job to write your press release or write an article on your music... Unless of course they are doing a cover story/feature but generally speaking if you want to spread your news, you first have to supply the news. The importance of a biography has not diminished. Once a person has heard your news, they want to relate to you. A biography state’s who you are and how you got to where you are. This establishes the personal connection that is needed to take that person from simply being a person, to being an supporter/fan. Music – Firstly music should be of good quality. Secondly, sending links to the press to buy your music will not usually get you very far. If you want your music reviewed; a complimentary copy should be sent. This can even be done digitally now so a physical CD doesn’t (in some cases) need to be sent). After all, how can they talk about something they have not heard.
Any opportunity to be featured in a magazine or website should be taken and so should any other opportunity that will expose you and your music to new people.
A good artist who has covered these points is a lot more likely to get featured (and featured faster too) on a website like www.m-briomusic.com or in M.E.X magazine than a great artist who has none of these things in order.
We’ve been receiving submissions from artist’s and bands from all over the world for nearly 2 years now. Here are some of the key things that lead to a submission turning into a website feature or even now a M.E.X magazine feature:
Lastly, do not release a single, an EP, an album, a video or anything else for that matter without writing a press release to go with it. Now, I hear you saying what good can a press release do with nowhere to send it. We have the answer.
Great quality photograph’s – We live in a visual world and so having good photographs are essential for use in magazine’s or on website’s, especially on websites like www.m-briomusic.com – Do a professional photo-shoot. Quality photographs are a must.
We have created a platform where press release’s can submitted. Not just for m-brio music or M.E.X magazine, but also press/media personnel from all over the world who are looking for new music to feature or content for their radio/TV shows, websites and the list goes on. On this platform we have also provided tips and instructions on how to write a press release for those of you who have never done it before... There is now, no excuse... M-brio Press Kits (MPK) is here.
PAGE 17 In 2010 alone we gave away over 250’000 free download tracks on our website www.m-briomusic.com. The top 10 most popular tracks along with being completely awesome, cross stlyistic boundries with r’n’b, pop and even one part of a preaching series from our Presiding Bishop, Bishop Tudor Bismark. Check them out along with all the other free music right here >> Click Here
Jocelyn A.K.A iNDIGO - Search My Heart Broken Chainz - Freedom Cry Doobie Powell - All The Glory Jade Harrell - Me And My Radio High Flight Society - Run From Yesterday Philippa Hanna - Return To Love [dweeb] - Beginning Is Only The Beginning Safari - Thank You (feat. Nikki Ross) Bishop Tudor Bismark - Kingdom-ology Travis Malloy - Lift Him Up
PAGE 18 Yvonne Brooks Pastor/Behavioural Consultant Television Presenter
Connect with Yvonne: Twitter > FaceBook > Website >
Hello everyone, I am Yvonne Brooks. I am in my 54th year of life which I never actually believed I would live to see. 54 is so old when you’re only 13. I am daughter to an 86 year old mum, number 5 of eight children. I am wife to Melvin Brooks and we have been married for nearly 33 years. I hope you are keeping up with all these numbers. I am the mother of three grown children whose ages I will not mention here in case it gets me into trouble. I was born on a small Island called Jamaica, and came to England a month before I was 9 years old. As a child all I wanted to be was a nurse, and would trail around after my brother’s with cotton wool and Dettol hoping that they would have an accident so I could practice my nursing skills. I went on to fulfil this dream, training first at Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, and then at St Georges Hospital in Stafford. I was a nurse for a total of 27 years. I believe that those years were preparation for the work that I do now, which is Pastoring.
My husband is the senior pastor and I am the assistant pastor (Robin to his Batman). We have a church that is steadily growing and our desire is to transform lives forever. Our 3 children are working with us in ministry along with my son-in-law and my new daughterin-law(August).
I am very pleased to have been asked to write about purpose for M.E.X magazine and over the next few editions I plan to look at ‘What is Purpose?’, How to find your purpose and how to live a purposeful life. Purpose is so important to God that he created your purpose and then created you to fit that purpose. That is the reason you are on planet earth.
I believe that none of us are here by chance or coincidence. No one is surplus to requirement or unnecessary. We are here on purpose, for purpose with purpose. That means that there are things that only you are qualified to do and as you read the articles which are yet to come I hope you will be encouraged and empowered to live your life on purpose.
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M.E.X’s Matt Brooks talks to Holly Starr Raised on a farm in the small town of Quincy, Washington, 19 year old Holly Starr is not afraid of hard work. In fact, the farm girl in Starr much prefers the dirt and grime to the glamour of the spotlight. There’s something quite intriguing about artists who come from the smallest, most intimate towns and villages, but end up being used to spread a global message, living their lives in the spotlight. Perhaps this is all a part of a bigger plan... Maybe God uses the small town or even the small church to ground a person and embed humility within them, so when they are sent out they have the character to back up their gift. Either way, the small town seems to have been the perfect place for Holly making her journey to where she is now even more interesting. Having grown up in a place where there was ‘no music business’ one can only imagine the natural progression in her life would be to get into the family’s farming business. Which is why her answer to the question... If you weren’t involved in music what would you be doing?... took us by surprise. “I would be in cosmetology and colouring hair”... Not quite the expected answer from someone who grew up in ‘the dirt and grime’ of farming. Although she did go on to say “If I were to marry
someone who farms, then most willingly I would go in that direction...in conjunction with music of course (Lord-willing). Maybe more of an overseer for the farm instead of actually working it. I love the farm more than any place in the US. I would hate to see it go away” Holly’s 4th generation sweet corn and onion family farm (where she still lives) is obviously very near and dear to her heart. Growing up on a farm must’ve have been great and must have taught Holly many life lessons; although farms are renown for having all-sorts of animals and creepy crawlies on site. “It was wonderful! I have learned a lot of great things such as loyalty, perseverance, and hard work from watching my grandpa and dad. No... :) I’m not afraid of animals...just spiders” :) With influence’s such as Needtobreath, Brooke Fraser, Jon Foreman, Chris Tomlin and also being involved with her local youth group writing songs for it’s youth band, it seemed
as though the small time farm life (though ing about how humbling grace is. These dear to her heart) would not stop a desire songs were written from the middle of for something more. that tug and pull of “Wow I’m acting as if I don’t even know God” and “God, your It began when a producer in Seattle took grace for me blows me away...!” Undertow notice of Starr’s talent after discovering her and Take Me As I Am are two song persongs on MySpace. During the time, Starr taining to that.” was writing songs for her youth group’s band, which made their way online. Producer While wrestling with the profound conBrandon Bee (Stacie Orrico, Lanae Hale) took tradictions of life and the complexities Starr under his wing and helped her record of grace, Starr has come to realise that her first full-length project, Embraced, in her fans connect best when she’s at her 2008. most vulnerable. The experiences heard on songs like ‘Take Me As I Am’ where the Taking the step from a small town farmer to lyrics say ‘I’m supposed to be in love with an international recording artist is no mean you, why do I fail you all the time? I’m supfeat and often brings many challenges. posed to be in love with you, but I’m afraid it’s a lie’ really show this. “Not feeling good enough” says Holly reflecting back on her journey. “I would encourage people to know, know again, or remember that Jesus knew before “I struggled with that a lot when I started off, time began that we would still sin against because I was pretty young and very quick- him after his death. But that’s why he died. ly found myself around incredibly talented To remove sin from us as far as the east is musicians. I came from Quincy! There was no from the west. It is finished! Don’t let your music happenin’ there! :)” past tangle you up -- it’s been paid for!” Starr explores these deep-rooted theoIt’s one thing to be propelled into the spot- logical contrasts in a way that’s both mulight and begin a music career but in Chris- sically compelling and lyrically insightful, tian music the call (of God) should be as im- creating a piece of artwork that truly reportant (if not more) as the gift itself. flects who she is. “God Himself is a paradox to us,” says Starr, “so I believe that’s “There are a few different times God con- where the theme of this record comes firmed it throughout my childhood; how- from.” ever my experience at the age of 16 was the most memorable.” I was watching Chris Not only is the theme of paradox obvious Tomlin lead worship at Creation Fest NW, on Tapestry, but listeners will immediately and God broke me down. I was backstage catch Starr’s insatiable zeal for people. so I had an incredible view of the people and “I have a passion for people. Everyone. All Chris. What I saw that will never forget. God ages,” says Starr. was pouring straight through Chris onto the people, and then from the people back to “I feel like when I put them in a box, then God. I couldn’t sing or speak. In that moment that’s when I am least successful in my I felt as if God were right next to me show- ministry.” ing me how he wanted to use me. As purely, a willing vessel for HIM. On the heels of Tapestry, and still on the rise as an artist Starr has signed a distriAll of this still leaves Holly confounded as to bution deal with Save The City Records/ how she arrived at this place in life, releas- Provident-Integrity. Tapestry was reing her second full-length record, Tapestry; leased last fall and will be physically reworking with one of the industry’s most leased to retail courtesy of Save The City sought-after producers, this year’s Dove Records March 1st, 2011. Still only on the Award-winning producer Rusty Varenkamp verge of adulthood, Holly is proving her(Tenth Avenue North, Meredith Andrews); self to be a young woman of wisdom and and performing on countless stages across a young woman of God; still very much the country, including Creation Festival, rooted in humility and serving God. The Lifest and an opening spot for LeAnn Rimes. future is surely going to bring many more great things for her. With Tapestry, more than ever before, Starr is wearing her heart on her sleeve and really Holly is currently on ‘Centre Stage’ on opening up, telling us all where she’s at now www.m-briomusic.com where you can in her life. also download her song ‘I’ll Watch You Dance’ for FREE. “I’ve been going through a season of seeing the sin in my life, yet at the same time learn-
PAGE 25 When we decided to create Muzo Spot there was no doubt on who we wanted to be our first feature. A man in the prime of his life who is living for the LORD and using his God given gifts in the music industry. What’s unique and special about this man is his heart; he’s not just a musician. He’s a worshipper and a server... When he’s not on the road with some of the biggest names in the U.K music industry he can be found in every church service and even assisting his Pastor with ministry exhibiting humility and the character traits of a man grounded in his walk with God. He’s a great ex-
ample and role model to anyone aspiring to do what he does. In this interview you’ll get to hear more about the man behind the music. Donavan Hepburn is one of the most sought after musicians in the U.K and so we wanted to catch up with him, to find out how he got to where he is today, some of his experiences on the road and the role his faith plays in his career.
Muzo Spot: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Don. You’re a very busy man so we appreciate this.
Muzo Spot: RIGHT
You’re a world renowned musician but what we (and we’re sure many others) want to know is what your first memorable experience of music was?
Muzo Spot: LOL
Don Hepburn: My first memorable experience of music has to be back in 1985. I was five years old. I came down the stairs of my family home, into the lounge to the sight of a sparkling white drum kit that my older brother had just brought. My life would never be the same again. I remember the hihat cymbals towering above my head. Muzo Spot: What an experience... Don Hepburn: Sure was man Muzo Spot: How do you think that influenced you and your passion for music? Don Hepburn: After that first encounter with that drum kit, and then to hear the glorious sound of them being played at the same time I was hooked. I knew from then that someday they would be mine or I would own a kit just like that. In fact the picture you have of me behind my white kit was a tribute to my brothers kit, that I started my drumming life on. Muzo Spot: So, you grew up in church... Did you play in church every week? Don Hepburn: Yes, church was and is still the foundation to my life. From about the age of 11 I played in church every week. Muzo Spot: How did your 1st opportunity to play come in church come about? Don Hepburn: that’s a great question and I have a very funny story about that... My brother (who the kit belonged to) played the drums in church. In 1990 he and his wife were expecting their first child and so were away from church. With the help of some friends, I mustered up the courage to play in church for the very first time. I thought great, what a massive achievement everything was going well, until the chorus leader turned to me after one particular song and told me to come off, because of the way I played it. I was so hurt, but was determined to prove them wrong and so the following week I came back and raged up the place LOL. For them to tell me “we see you’ve been practicing... You gotta love church. Muzo Spot: Do you think playing in church gave you an advantage when you went to go and play drums professionally. Don Hepburn: Yes’ playing in church definitely gave me the advantage when I progressed into the music industry, because I developed a great ear for music, as you know there are plenty of occasions where someone will start singing a song and you have to play to it at the drop of a hat.
Don Hepburn: LOL
Muzo Spot: What was your first real gig? The stand out gig that allowed you make a name for yourself, or make you think you definitely wanted to pursue a career as a musician etc Don Hepburn: It would have to be Dawkins and Dawkins back in 1999. It was after this gig I went on to leave my Job to pursue a career. Muzo Spot: Fantastic Muzo Spot: So, as a musician, your gear is just as important as your gift. What gear do you use and why do you use it? Don Hepburn: I play Premier Drums and Zildjian cymbals. Muzo Spot: Nice, why Premier and why Zildjian out of all the brands? Don Hepburn: I find that with regards to my drums they respond the way I need them to. Don Hepburn: In truth Premier approached me at a time when they wanted to bring some youth to the company, but most of all it was there personal approached to their players that attracted me. Also the fact that they were a British company and based in the East Midlands. Don Hepburn: I always like Zildjian as a child and when I began to develop an ear for cymbals I found Zildjian (in my opinion) to be the most consistent. Muzo Spot: Now you’ve worked with the biggest names in the industry. Aside from your ability to play, what else has been pivotal to you getting called for gigs and referred on etc Don Hepburn: I have to attribute all my success to my lord and saviour Jesus Christ. However in the physical I would say my personality and approach to music on a whole. I pride myself on being versatile and professional Muzo Spot: Aside from your faith, are there any basic character traits/principles you have applied to your life and would encourage others to, if they want a career as long lasting and successful as yours? Don Hepburn: My advice would be; aim to be a musician not just a drummer. As musicians, have an awareness of music in general not just your particular instrument. I don’t mean you have to play everything but just have a general awareness of each instrument and how songs are put together. Along with that, listen to ALL types of music. Or have some knowledge on all types of music. Muzo Spot: You’re not just a drummer you’re a musical director too. How did you get into that role? Traditionally there were always a lot of keyboard player
MD’s but there’s an increasing amount of drummer MD’s now. Why do you think that is? Don Hepburn: Well if the truth be known, I ran away from this because I never felt like I was qualified enough. During this time I always knew what sounded musically right to me and could get the point across to fellow band members. As time went on I was always turned to when it came to running rehearsals, contacting musicians etc and the rest is history. I think as drummers, because we don’t play a melodic instrument, but yet in a band situation we are surrounded by them it’s almost easier to orchestrate them. Also as drummers we provide the foundation to the band. Kind of like the central defender in a football team. Muzo Spot: GREAT analogy. Muzo Spot: Now one thing we always knew about you was that you wanted to get married, have a child and have played at Wembley Football Stadium by the time you’re 30. That’s a lot to achieve but you managed to do it... What’s next on your list of achievements? Don Hepburn: Well I have recently formed an artist management company and we currently have 2 act’s we are developing. One of my goals is to get our act’s major recording contracts. As a drummer I would also like to Work with David Bowie, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Paul McCartney and Phil Collins. Muzo Spot: That sounds awesome and its great to see you developing and being so much more than a drummer. Muzo Spot: The industry you work in is the mainstream (or secular) industry. What’s your take on the Christians working in the ‘secular’ music industry debate? Don Hepburn: My take on Christian musicians working in the secular industry is simple. Do the best you can to achieve your dreams. Muzo Spot: What advice would you give to a Christian musician wanting to work in that industry? Don Hepburn: My advice is the same advice I would give to anyone looking for a job in general. Stay grounded and believe God to put you where he knows you will be most effective. The Bible teaches “that the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the lord” Muzo Spot: Amen Muzo Spot: A big part of your job is being on the road on tour, sometimes for long periods of time. What’s the biggest challenge you have when you’re away on long tours? Don Hepburn: My biggest challenge I have when I’m away besides the obvious, like of course missing my precious gifts my; wife and my daughter. Is having to deal with having a day off on a Sun-
day, and not being able to get back to go to church Muzo Spot: How do you maintain your faith while you’re away on the road? Don Hepburn: Well when I think about my faith in God it is a very personal relationship. So regardless of my environment, the relationship I have with God doesn’t change. I make sure I find time to pray and read my word etc. Not to mention I have the full support of my Pastor who I know is covering me in prayer. Muzo Spot: Here’s the question we and any other drummer reading this wants to know... Who’s your favorite drummer? Don Hepburn: Wow favorite drummer, that’s a hard one, because I’m influenced by so many players. If I had to narrow it down to one right now… it would be Teddy Campbell as I’m listening to a lot. Really there are so many players young and old past and present I could name who I enjoy listening to. Muzo Spot: You’re at the top of your game now! but we want to know is... Do you ever get star struck? Don Hepburn: Star Struck YES! I’m too embarrassed to name the last person I was star struck over when I saw them, and the joke is he’s not even a musician. Muzo Spot: OK, say no more lol Muzo Spot: What has been your favorite venue to play at so far? Don Hepburn: That would have to be Wembley Stadium. As a child I remember watching a concert on TV and Vinnie Colaiuta was the resident drummer. It was at that point I said one day I’m gonna play there. Muzo Spot: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Don but before you go; do you have any words of advice for any young musicians? Don Hepburn: Words to the youngsters, be humble, stay focused, listen and learn, don’t let go of your dream. Muzo Spot: Any final words? Don Hepburn: Have to say a massive thanks to My Wife Rachel for her constant love and support over the years. My princess Renée for lighting up my life. My Heroes Linford and Idalee (Dad & Mum) Hepburn R.I.P. The Hepburn Family. Justin Daley R.I.P. The Daley Family. Tina Clarke at Zildjian Cymbals George Fredricks at Premier Drums. Pro-mark Sticks Remo Heads, New Era Hats Adidas Clothing. Thank You for all your support. Donavan is currently preparing to tour with Take That for the 3rd time as well as playing for Cheryl Cole and being Alesha Dixon’s Musical Director
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With Matt Brooks
‘My First’ is a chance for an artist/band to share some of themselves in a new way letting fans and interested readers know about their life experiences... Notably their firsts. In ISSUE 1 we thought it would be good if you got to know us better so here goes....
First song remembered – For a relatively young man my memory isn’t very great lol – The first song would have to be either the ABC (alphabet) song or ‘Jesus Love’s Me This I Know’ First day at school – I remember my first day at School like it was yesterday. I remember my Mom taking me there and then slowly making moves towards the door... Then, she was outside and looking in and I was in complete shock and dismay as to why my Mom who loves me so much would take me to a place and leave me in a room full of strangers lol First CD – I was surrounded by a lot of music as a child but if I remember correctly the first CD that was given to me/i ever owned was Deitrick Haddon & V.O.U (Voices Of Unity) ‘This Is My Story’ First concert attended – The first real concert I attended was of my favourite artist Fred Hammond in 1998. It was a mind-blowing concert, i’ll never forget it. It really triggered off my passion for music and being a musician after watching Marvin McQuitty play the drums. First song written - The first song I wrote is one I cowrote with my brother Adam... Yes, we do everything together lol – The song is called ‘Lift Up Your Hands’ and is a worship song. First performance – My first musical performance is one i’ll never forget. A few months into me learning how to play the drums (around 11 years of age) I was made to play my first song in church. I remember it like it was yesterday because I messed up... The shame, the embarrassment... I’m glad for that experience though as it pushed me on to want to get better and develop as a musician. First job – My first job was in a Caribbean restaurant. I didn’t really like it much but I used to love getting my own money lol – Oh and I loved the tip’s too :-D
First car – My first car (that I remember) was a little blue Mercedes. Hopefully i’ll be making the upgrade from a toy Mercedes to a real one soon. Donations are welcome :-D First holiday – My first holiday was to Jamaica... I was actually still in my mother’s womb at the time. My first outof-womb holiday experience was to Jamaica when I was 1 year old. The cool thing about that holiday was that I celebrated my 2nd birthday there which is cool although I have no recollection of it. First personal experience with God – I would have to say my first personal (memorable) experience of God was at a relatively young age. I was around 6-7 years of age and through the life my parent’s lived and showed me, they really made God seem like someone I’d want to get to know. During family church services – Yep, my dad was a Pastor so we didn’t only have church at church, we had full service’s at home in our living room too. I don’t despise it though because I wouldn’t be who I am now if I didn’t have that foundation – we (my brother and sister) learned about God and the importance of having Him as the captain of our lives and so at that young age I gave my heart to God and was also baptized too.
Amazing Matt fact: When Matt was born he weighed 12lbs (pounds) & 5oz (ounces) effectively the weight of a 6 month old. The doctors told our mum that if she were to have another child it would be around the 15lb mark. Our mum never did have any more children.
PAGE 30 DAVID CHARLES OF The First Church of the Open Bible, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago talks to M.E.X’s Matt Brooks about their first album “CHANGE”
GATES PRAISE INTERVIEW
Hi David. How are you doing? How has your week been so far? Things are great. A bit hectic because we’ve had several requests for appearances since our launch. Like with anything that’s new, you need to pay special attention to it especially in the early stages of growth. It needs attention, patience and nurturing… and that takes time. For our readers from all around the world who may not know who you are, tell us a bit about you, your music, who/what influences you and finally how you got where you are today. Well, I grew up in the church, and my testimony is of God’s keeping power. He’s been faithful to me, and so I’ve stayed faithful to Him. This is a team project, and I’m honoured to be part of this team. Worship has been a major strength of the First Church of the Open Bible, San Fernando, Trinidad. The worship ministry of this church is well known and respected and has led worship for Caribbean and International conferences featuring Fred Hammond, Dr. Creflo Dollar, Dr. Myles Munroe, Dr. Cindy Trimm, and Psalmist Micah Stampley. We have also travelled to Aruba, Holland, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Suriname and New York. Some of the main artists and musicians featured on the album include: Hamilton Durant (Producer/Keyboardist), a graduate of Berkeley College of Music, who has worked on all the major albums of recording artistes in the country, Reuel Lynch (Producer/Keyboardist), music minister at the Cocoyea Open Bible Church in Trinidad, and Jason Bishop (Guitarist/Music Teacher) who has travelled extensively playing for various bands.
You’re from Trinidad, not somewhere we hear music coming from a lot. What’s the scene like their? The music scene in Trinidad and Tobago is growing. There’s always been a rich heritage of music with great singers like Pastor Peter Regis, and Pastor Angela Williams. Production has been difficult for us in the past, but the younger folks are now producing lots of music themselves – people like Russel Leonce, The Broadway Boyz International and up and coming artistes like Kezie Peters, Kirissa Ramesar and Luke Quamina. Marketing our music has been another challenge, but within recent times connections have been made internationally with persons from every area of the industry, and opportunities like this one with you, are sure to give us the much needed exposure. Your sound isn’t a traditional Caribbean sound. However there are a few songs that include what most would expect to come from a group from Trinidad. What other kinds of music have been influencing you to create such a diverse sound while still staying true to your roots? Many people (even our citizens) have not truly understood the blessing we have firstly in being geographically positioned where we are. We are the last island in the Caribbean chain, the southernmost, and right off the tip of South America, Venezuela. Our positioning therefore, gives us a close connection both to the Caribbean and the Americas, and by extension the world. Added to that our pastor is missions minded, and has both a local and global vision, so we have sister churches and affiliations internationally. This has affected most of what we do, we’re influenced by and are influencing music globally. So, we listen to the likes of Hillsongs, Israel and New Breed, and of course Caribbean artistes like Stitchie and Harella Goodwin.
If you weren’t involved in music what would you be doing? Music. I really can’t see myself doing anything else. I was born for this. Many members of the team were born for this. They are extremely talented young people, so we are all grateful to be afforded this opportunity that few people get, to live their dreams and purpose. What has been your biggest challenge as group (from the start of the journey until now)?
A greater sacrifice is necessary. When David carried his sacrifice to God, he said he would not offer to God that which cost him nothing. If music is to be given to God, sacrifices must be made. Finances need to be put into producing an excellent product every time. Many artistes began in the church, but got frustrated by the lack of support financially and otherwise. They made a name outside in the pop and R&B world. That’s why I thank God for our leadership, and their vision and not accepting anything but the best offering to God. What’s next for you, what can people expect from you in 2011?
Our challenge has been getting the group together. It’s huge… seventy people. All very busy. You know there’s a saying, that God rewards busy folks, with more work… well that’s true. Everyone is either in college, or have full time jobs, and are also involved in weekly ministry at our church… which has something going on every day of the week. We live our ministry. But, somehow, we made the necessary sacrifices. We followed the vision through our senior pastor Rev. Cecil Quamina who was with us every step of the way, encouraging and leading when necessary, and the vision protected us from getting off track. We stayed focused. When did you realise you had a call on your life to minister through music? How did you feel when you received the call? As far back as my childhood I’ve been into music. My mother insisted that we worship as part of our lives. I began as a worship leader in my teens. When I joined the ministry at The First Church of the Open Bible, Trinidad, it was easy to flow because they had a prophetic word to be fulfilled, from Isaiah 60:18 “Thou shalt call thy walls salvation and thy gates praise.” And the album CHANGE came out of that word.
God has really blessed us with a great team of talented persons, so you can expect more worship. More music is coming from this team. Where do you see yourself as an artist, in 5 years time? We have been challenged by our leadership to make this an annual goal. God said that he will build His church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. So we will continue making music that builds the church, and we are assured that we will have God’s approval, His provision and His protection. We will always produce music that reflects what is happening in our lives, the growth, the change… deeper worship, deeper praise. What do you think of our website www.m-briomusic.com? Great Work! The team has been on it continually. Some of my favourite artistes are there… Nicole C. Mullen, Deitrick, and Russell Leonce. It’s really interactive and you could stay there for hours… Music, interviews, reviews… downloads. Excellent! Where can people find out more about you?
We know that with many artists, when they release an album it’s a reflection of where they’re at in their lives. What does “CHANGE” say about where you are in your life/ministry and which song do you think represents that best?
Our website is www.gatespraisemusic.com, we’re also on FB, Reverbnation, YouTube, or you can call 1-868-657-8587.
Like I mentioned before, this is a prophetic fulfillment of scripture from Isaiah 60:18(b). The history of our church is hinged on that word. We experienced a very difficult time, and the song “Gates Praise” came out of that time. 2010 was declared the year of change by our pastor, Job 14:14 says “… all the days of my service, I will wait, till my change comes” and so the song “Till my change comes” supported that time. This year we have been looking at the last days, the church being established on the top of the mountain, and people flowing into it (Micah 4:1-5), and so the song “Audience of One” supports that word. What we have learned for sure, is that there can be no corporate change without firstly having personal change.
This album features some of the island’s indigenous music, and the steel pan instrument which originated in Trinidad and Tobago. It looks inwardly at the changes that have occurred on the journey of the Church, and expresses expectation for the fulfillment of God’s promise of continued spiritual growth. CHANGE is the first of many live worship recordings of the Church. The album has 12 tracks all written by members of the First Church of the Open Bible, and there’s a bonus track on the DVD “This Is How We Overcome”, a song originally produced by Hillsong Australia, given an authentic Caribbean adaptation. We hope you guys enjoy the album. Believe that your change is coming…. For “They that wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint.” God Bless.
From the perspective of an artist/group; how have you found the Christian/Gospel music industry and what if anything would you change about it?
Any final words?
To find out more about Gates Praise music visit their website
2
Generation Generation
I only see TWO contexts in the Bible for raising the next generation, 1) Parents are responsible for their children Deuteronomy 29:29 and 2) one whole generation is responsible for the next Psalm 145:4. Yet the church has turned the responsibility of raising up the next generations into a calling, instead of responding to a COMMAND on the lives of EVERY believer. “I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever”. Psalm 45:17 I don’t hear people talking about the generations when talking about global evangelism. I don’t hear many people talking about old people passing to the younger generations, or about the importance of families, when talking about every tribe and tongue hearing about Christ and His return. The generations are of the utmost importance to Jesus. This is such a big issue, and it is not JUST an issue of children, it is an issue involving all generations. The relationship between each generation is of vital importance. From the beginning of man Christ has been building from generation to generation towards His coming again. With this in mind, when there is dysfunction between them they are not working the way He had intended them. We will be held accountable for our attitudes towards other generations. For example His views on children are so strong that He even says that if someone causes a little one to stumble it is better for that person to kill themselves. Matthew 18:6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea”. When we look around the world today we see broken families. A fatherless generation is all around us, children are growing up with identity issues, while the rise of abortion is alarming. The church was destined to bring healing to these terrible situations, and see the hearts of the fathers turned to the children and children to the fathers Malachi 4:5-6 From my experience traveling in ministry for over a decade it seems that the church structures are one of the ways to disconnect the generations. The church structures breaks relationships, when children and youth move UP to different age groups, sending them into different rooms and modeling itself on a Greek education system and not the Biblical one founded in Judaism. It can unconsciously dis-empower parents who Biblically are meant to be the primary disciplers of their children. I hear youth leaders saying to young people… it’s OK you can talk to me about your problems because I know it is hard to talk to your parents. This is dis-empowering parents, and it is not dealing with the issue that there is a problem within the family if they are not able to talk together about struggles in their own personal lives.
Political systems, other religions, even terrorist groups know that to take a nation you must take the next generation. In communist Russia they stopped the Gospel being passed to the younger generations, and over 75 years they captured the nation. Other religions give their strongest leaders to the emerging generations to raise them to be nation changers. Yet some in the body of Christ see them as relatively unimportant, cute, the church of tomorrow, or don’t even recognize them. The emerging generations are the church of today, they have the full power of God in them just like any adult, and the older generations have much to give to them. I have spent years with Generation 2 generation traveling all over the world helping the body of Christ to empower parents and families, as well as bringing the generations together. God is moving and we are seeing reconciliation and miracles. Its not all doom and gloom, but this is a wake up call to see the church unite not just denominationally, or ethnically, but generationally. Lets not continue to have a fractured Body. We as a ministry exist to see this, and to see the emerging generations raised up for such a time as this literally, for a time when we see abortion rising, the spreading of persecution globally, the moral decline of the nations etc The laws that this generation live by were permitted by previous generations, we all must rise up and stand for truth. We must accept responsibility that they have pornography all over the Internet or graphic magazines and movies etc. The emerging generation lives within the rules the previous generation allowed. There is darkness all around us, persecuted nations and thousands of unreached people groups globally still to hear of saving power of Jesus. These are exciting times. Light is to run to the darkness, and this emerging generation is one that can rise up and make a huge impact on the world we live in. This generation can statistically complete the great commission. Here is the mission statement for my ministry: “Reconnecting the generations and equipping them to have an uncompromising passion for Jesus with a heart for mission and evangelism” If you are interested in hearing more, seeing how you can support or even get involved please visit our website (www.Gnation2gnation.com) and feel free to email here: (info@Gnation2gnation.com)
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Andrew Kirk is a director of Generation 2 generation, based out of England and the USA. He’s ministered internationally for over 14 years. Andrew also consults with music labels including Integrity Europe. Find out more about G2g and Andrew here: www.Gnation2gnation.com.
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Connect with Jennifer: Twitter > Blog >
Now, I’m 19 years old, completely in love with my Saviour, but guess what‌ I still listen to secular music (some). I still get excited about dressing up, and I love to dance more than ever.
In it and not of it? Holy? Set apart? Royal Priesthood? These words are some of many which I battled with growing up in a Christian household. My parents were very much involved in ministry and my brother was in the Youth Worship Team for as long as I can remember. But me? I was the rebel. I loved to dance, and secular music was my best friend. I knew and loved God from an early age, but the pressures of growing up in Walthamstow, East London, left me wanting to experiment with anything my friends were playing with. Looking back, even at my music collection, I cringe. I literally cannot listen to the same music I would play on repeat, simply because in January 2008, I made a decision to live a holy lifestyle; to surrender my life to Jesus completely, and begin an amazing relationship with Him. Now, I’m 19 years old, completely in love with my Saviour, but guess what… I still listen to secular music (some). I still get excited about dressing up, and I love to dance more than ever. I’m in my second year at university, studying a degree in Creative and Professional Writing and absolutely love using this gift for God, through poetry, articles, even having launched my own blog this year. In fact, there’s not much I don’t enjoy, from horse riding to netball, visiting museums and ice skating, I’m an experimenter, love to laugh and I’m enjoying the adventure of life the way I know I’m meant to.
So I’ll be honest with you, I still haven’t got this all together, I wouldn’t put myself on a pedestal of being an ‘on fire, holy, Proverbs 31 woman of God’, but I can assure you, neither am I a ‘lukewarm Christian’, and the most genuine thing about myself is my love for God and I’m learning the most important thing is wisdom; using it to know where to draw the line, and how to find the perfect balance of being ‘in it and not of it’. I’d like to invite you on a journey I’ll be taking these next few months, exploring how to avoid being stuck in a ‘Christian Bubble’ and how to be relevant without losing our royalty. We all have our own views on this, but I feel strongly that in order for us to transform the world, it’s gonna take more than handing out tracts and putting on evangelistic events. I’m sorry, but we’re gonna have to develop friendships with….Non-Christians! They’re actually not that bad, remember, you and I used to be one too! And I highly doubt a conversation with a Non-Christian will go far if all we have to converse about is conferences, Israel Houghton’s album and how God moved at evening service last week. It is my prayer that our God will teach us how to shake off the religious aspects of following him, and we will learn how to appreciate the culture of this world without accepting it.
So let’s burst those bubbles and get to it. After all, we I live my life hand in hand with Jesus, and it’s an exciting can’t be world changers without going into the world. journey, learning more every day about who He wants me to be, and where He’s taking me. Some people would completely disagree with things I do, but that’s fine too. Just a few nights ago in fact, I was at a friend’s pretty wild party, music blazing, people drinking, dodgy dancing, and I was just sat in the corner, watching. I had on a classy dress and gorgeous shoes, but I still felt like I stood out drastically. A guy suddenly stumbled over to me and asked me such a thought provoking question. “What are you doing here?” I kind of half smiled, and asked him what he meant, and he repeated with a strong Northern accent, “What are you doing here?” I explained it was my friend’s party, and he replied, “No, you don’t understand, you’re beautiful, you shouldn’t be here”. Aside from the obvious attempt to chat me up which followed, his words really struck me. You’re beautiful, you shouldn’t be here. And I wondered if what he could sense was something deeper than beauty, and whether it was the Spirit of God within me that was uncomfortable in this messy party.
Keep up with Jennifers Blog ‘A Life Called Love’
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After a long New Years Eve celebration you couldn’t blame anyone for wanting to stay in bed and sleep the day away. For one young, gifted man from East London, New Years Day set the pace for his ministry in 2011. This young man is Isaac Borquaye affectionately known to most as GUVNA B... God’s Unique Vessel Now Assigned. On the 1st January 2011 GUVNA B released his eagerly anticipated Mix-Tape titled ‘‘ScrapBook’’. What made this release even more special was its content... 20 songs and 3 bonus songs and all of this for FREE. Surely no artist in their right mind would give away 23 songs for free; especially when 20 of them are brand new. “Over my music career I’ve received numerous blessings and various people who have supported and invested in me by means of buying my album, my singles, and buying tickets to my concerts. I’m so humbled by that. I just thought it was time I gave back to those people. Also, I get mail from all over the world. There are people who are less fortunate and may not be able to afford a GUVNA B concert ticket or a GUVNA B album. The Mix-Tape is for them too. Lastly, I’m in my final year of university and have exams in the spring so will be heavily focused on that. The Mix-Tape will hopefully make up for the month or so where I go quiet and I’ve got my head down studying. After that I’ll be back with a bang, working on my sophomore album.” GUVNA B is right to want to bless his fan’s and even more so those who have contacted him and have no access to his music or worse; unable to afford it. With that said, most sold albums have approximately 10 songs these days so why would he decide to give away 23 for free? “With any project I do I always put in 100% and record more and work harder than I need to. For example for my first album Narrow Road I recorded 35 songs, and chose 16. For ‘‘ScrapBook’’ I wrote 40 songs and picked 20. The 20 tracks I picked fit perfectly and I couldn’t imagine taking any off. Even though these days you get 10 13 tracks maximum, I thought there would be no harm in giving people a little extra. Hopefully they won’t mind lol. As for the 3 bonus songs, those are ones that people have heard already but have begged me for, so I chucked it on as a bonus present.”
Having reached in excess of 10’000 downloads in its first month it’s clear that the fan’s he wanted to give something back to for their support appreciated this gift and all made sure they downloaded it from his website GUVNAB.COM. It is clearly evident he is becoming one of the prominent, household names and faces in the U.K Gospel scene. “In U.K Gospel terms the success of ‘ScrapBook’ is great news. Our scene is still expanding and the music coming out of it is becoming more and more popular. My team and I are very ambitious though, so even though 10’000 odd is great, to see a U.K Gospel artist get 40,000 downloads would be something else, and I’m sure sooner or later Gospel downloads will soon reach that if everyone works harder.” GUVNA B is a man on a mission, a man with passion and a man who’s destined to push and breakthrough the boundaries set around him. Already gaining national (and international) acclaim with what is possibly his most well known song ‘Kingdom Skank’ (for our readers outside of the U.K, skank means to dance) which crossed denominational, cultural, social and even religious divides. “It was amazing” says GUVNA B “Simply because I wrote and recorded the song in no longer than half an hour. It was a late track that wasn’t even meant to make it onto the album. Thank God it did though lol. It’s a blessing that a song recorded in a bedroom could impact thousands around the world. I’m grateful. Very grateful as I didn’t think it would be super huge. I knew some might like it, but nowhere near the extent to which they did.” Even though GUVNA B is a household name in the U.K Gospel scene and is surely set to have a longlasting career in it, there’s more to him than just the music. He is currently at University studying a business degree. This shows that there’s more to him than just the music. “I love music and football, so if I wasn’t a musician I’d love to work at a record label or be a football agent or something like that. I also love Supermalt so maybe I may have worked with them being a taste expert or something lol who knows?” Looking at the rapid growth-rate of GUVNA B’s ministry; a career tasting Supermalt does not look likely for him. Very proud to belong to the family of Gospel artist’s in the U.K and eager to see more growth and expansion in the form of music that relates to the people of his life, before Jesus, and those who now have Jesus in their lives. “I’m very proud to call myself a U.K Gospel artist.
I make music influenced by Jesus and at the same time I make music about real life situations and experiences that I have been through. I describe my music and my role as the bridge between the church and the streets. I’ve experienced both sides of the spectrum so I know how to relate to both. I became a Christian at 17 and was already recording music for fun. People thought I was good so I kept it going and took it more seriously. 4 years later I have an EP, an album, a live DVD, a Mix-Tape, a GMA, UMA, and a MOBO award.” All of these accolades come at a cost though and GUVNA B has made it very evident on the ‘‘ScrapBook’’ Mix-Tape that now matter how glamorous his life appears it all comes at a price. It’s very easy to think that the life of a Christian artist is easy... that they somehow connect with God in a way that normal people can’t, and all of this makes be-
One consistent thread in the words of GUVNA B in all of his interviews, and thoughts on his music is the need for honesty and transparency. Creating music that not only promotes Godly living. but also address’ challenges, people from all walks of life face. Music that the unsaved, unchurched person can listen to and relate to. ‘ScrapBook’ is the perfect example of this. ScrapBook’ represents me finding myself as an artist and as a person. It represents me letting people know that I’m not perfect and that I’m human, and I struggle too but I’m willing to get up and work hard at what God has called me to do. Among that best represents this is ‘Skin Deep’, ‘My Story’ or ‘Pray For Me’” ‘Pray For Me’ is a particularly powerful song. The lyrics “Ever been in a position where you give so much of yourself, and you leave not much on the shelf and soon there’s not much in the well...” spring to mind when thinking, as minister’s in general a lot is given of self so frequently however not much is returned back. This can leave next to nothing in their personal wells.
ing a Christian easy for them. Well this is not the case and these artist’s are faced with many of the same (and sometimes more) challenges that we face every day. “As a gospel artist it is important to live what you preach in your music. If you don’t live what you say, you become a hypocrite so I’m constantly challenged to stay on guard and make sure that my actions and character match up with the God and the music I represent.” Although personal challenges are a big part of the life of any artist there are also many practical and professional ones too. Growing up in a growing and still relatively new scene brings its own challenges too. “Another challenge also is probably making Gospel music mainstream. I have a passion to see Gospel music in the charts, on TV stations alongside the Jay Z’s, the Tinchy Stryder’s and the Beyonce’s without diluting our message. My music has been played on the BBC, mainstream radio and TV stations, but for a Gospel artist to get signed to a major label, or to get a number 1 in the charts, that would be amazing.”
“Well I’ve never been a fan of hiding problems so I try and be as transparent in my music as possible. I’d hate to paint this perfect image of myself, as nobody is perfect. So I wrote that song to show people that I can relate to them and that we all need each others prayers. Iron sharpens iron.” Over the years GUVNA B has created a sound and style that has kept U.K Gospel music current with what is popular in mainstream music. Not providing a ‘Gospel copy’ of mainstream music but rather a Christian equivalent that has the quality and musical prowess to appeal to the saint and the sinner. This is exactly what he has done with ‘ScrapBook’ ‘ScrapBook’ is just a journey, a story. I wanted the listeners to feel like they know me, and know the God I serve so hopefully it did that.” It’s safe to say that GUVNA B achieved his goal and has given a piece of himself in musical form. His future looks bright and one can’t help but think that all he has achieved so far is only the beginning and that his greatest achievements are yet to come. For Guvna B... The sky is NOT the limit
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After writing for years and performing solo with just a beat up acoustic guitar, Folkestone singer/songwriter Alie Richardson formed Blaise Paisel in the summer of 2010. Before forming the band Alie released here debut EP independently in 2010, entitled ‘Dreamers Dream | Lovers Live’ (available at cross rhythms). Although happy with the EP, the majority of the music was created in the studio on a computer and so Alie decided to form a band and begin finding a more earthy and authentic sound. ‘Having started out with just an acoustic guitar’, says Alie, ‘…it felt right to develop and nurture the acoustic sound. It’s a raw, natural and real sound that hopefully runs parallel to the nature of the lyrics I write’.
Alie is in love with lyrics, and although she often plays guitar in the band, her passion is to express in words the thoughts that are often kept so well hid, we ourselves don’t even realise they are there. Blaise Paisel are a Christian band in that all the members are Christian. However; not all their songs are what you would call classic ‘Christian’ songs. Alie (who writes the lyrics) has made a habit of using regular words to say ‘Christian’ things. ‘I want to write songs that anyone can listen to, songs that don’t intimidate people who don’t believe what I believe. The songs need to be interesting and catchy enough that when people look in to what the lyrics say they get touched by a message. I also want Christian’s to have music that is a mixture of soul searching, comforting and cool… hopefully a mixture Blaise Paisel can come up with!’.
BLAISE PAISEL, named when Alie Richardson (Blaise Paisel’s lead singer) misread the name of the famous French mathematician from the 1600’s, Blaise Pascal. The band agreed it was an interesting name and stuck with it ever A forward looking band, Blaise Paisel are excited about since. what the future holds. With a fresh sound, solid music and strong lyrics, the only thing left to say is ‘listen to The 5 piece indie/acoustic band is made up of Marc Giles them!’. Currently, searching for them on face book is (drums), Dan Fowkes (acoustic guitar), Sam Lilley (acous- the best place to start. Their page is crammed full of tic guitar) and Tom Hext (bass). videos of the band performing live at shows, demo’s, photos and upcoming dates. The best is definitely still to come! Blaise Paisel have only been together for a short time and are already set to Blaise-Paisel.co.uk is under construction and their dedo a summer tour with the band ‘Chutes’. They also have but EP is on the way. Keep your eyes peeled people! plans to finish their first EP by the end of Spring. Bless ya! The band all live relatively normal lives, they all have day jobs but this is where their heart is… ‘making music that we enjoy playing and that people love listening to.’
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With Adam Brooks
You’ve already seen Matt’s, now it’s time to get to know Adam’s firsts and perhaps more importantly, Adam’s amazing fact.
First song remembered – I remember lot’s of different songs from the ‘Pentecostal Hymnal’ coming from a VERY traditional church but the first proper song I remember is a song that our Uncle (who came to live with us for a short period of time) introduced us too. It was called ‘I’m Going To The Other Side’ but I have no idea who sang it even though I remember all the words so if anyone knows please let me know. First day at school – On my first day of School I remember getting put into a room full of toys and also having a fight with a girl who was half my size because she took a toy I wanted to play with. *Hangs head in shame* She was in my class all through Primary School and High School and stayed the same size through out. (Sorry Sinead) First CD – We had a guest speaker who came to speak at our parents church (from America) who just happened to be a part of the famous Tyson family who were then part of the TyScott record label. The CD was ‘This Is My Story’ by Deitrick Haddon & V.O.U. I remember Matt and I had to play it through our PlayStation because we didn’t have a CD player at the time lol First concert attended – The first concert I remember going to was a concert featuring Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and Angelo & Veronica in Birmingham, England. at Aston Villa leisure centre, I was sat on the front row next to my mum and instantly fell in love with live music. First song written – I wrote a song with my friend from School for our G.C.S.E music course work. It wasn’t a worship song like the one Matt and I wrote together lol – The song I wrote was a love song to a girl I loved but she didn’t know about it. The lyrics were actually quite deep and we got an A so it must have been quite good. First performance – The first performance I remember was on the young people’s choir and I was leading the song ‘We Come Before You, To Praise You’. I remember thinking I was a ‘G’ at the time. Video footage has since proved that I was not.
First job – My first job was a paper round in my hometown of Stafford where I earned £7.20 a week. In those days, that 20p made all the difference. You could go into a shop and come out with a drink, a beano/dandy comic a packet of football stickers and a handful of sweets and still get 5p change lol (slight exaggeration) First car – My first car was a 2003 baby blue Fiat Punto 1.2. It was nothing special to look at but I LOVED that car, I was so sad when I sold it. First holiday – I went to Jamaica in 1987 but I don’t remember it and again in 1989. I remember falling in love with my Grandad (R.I.P Richard George. Clarke) and having complete anti-love for my Grandma. For some reason I didn’t like my Grandma and was scared of her. My Grandad was a master craftsman and made the most elaborate carvings out of wood and I thought that was so cool. I also remember him giving me 20 Jamaican dollars and I thought it was a lot of money until I tried to spend it lol (Me and my grandma are cool now.... sort of lol! First personal experience with God – When I got baptized at the age of 7 I didn’t get baptized for the right reason. I wanted to get baptized so I didn’t have to go to Hell, not because of a love for God. I’d say my first experience came when I received the gift of the Holy Spirit and I really felt God for the first time and was convinced that He was very real and not just a man in the sky.
Amazing Adam fact:
Adam is a highly sought after dancer and choreographer. His dance moves are so technical and sophisticated that to the untrained eye they can appear like a drunkard with two left feet. However this is all part of his abstract approach to modern dance.
PAGE 43 There’s a fight on to save spirituality in schools. Everyone has different memories of school, good, bad, ugly, or a mixture. I drummed in a Christian band (Evergreen) from the age of 13 to 16 so missed a lot of school for that, then left school at 16 to train as a chef. After five years working hard, ending up as head chef of a hotel at the age of 21, I left it all to go back to school again, only this time it was me at the front. Standing on the other side of the desk gives you a different perspective that you’re not always aware of when you’re a student. Schools in England are becoming more and more secularised, religion and spirituality are being steadily squeezed by an invisible clamp. Christian teachers have to tread carefully, afraid that they might be accused of proselytising. In some schools R.E. has been renamed as ‘World Issues’, a vague topic that can cover any number of areas, and in others it has been cut to just four days per year. We fully agree, the days of forcing a religion down kids’ throats at school belong well and truly in the past – Jesus asks us to choose him through faith and love, not through fear or habit or what postcode or country we grew up in.
But by squeezing out any space for students to explore faith and search for meaning in their lives, all they are faced with is an endless race towards exams. They are valued for how many boxes they can tick, which is not always the teacher’s fault, as they themselves are under constant pressure to ‘make the grade’ and perform for Ofsted and school league tables. The theory is that more students will come out with good grades and a chance to get a good job; the problem is that the theory only works when there are plenty of jobs to go round, and right now there isn’t. Figures released this week show that unemployment levels have risen even more than expected over the last few months, so the total number of unemployed adults under 25 is now close to 1 million. This has pushed the youth unemployment rate up to the highest level since records began. And even as the trend has grown towards getting higher and higher grades, salaries on average are decreasing, so the material reward doesn’t even match up. And don’t get us started on university debt. So we have young people who are, in theory, fully prepared for the world of work, with no way of fulfilling the purpose that school has been training them for. This is why religious education and spir-
ituality is so crucial in schools – students who are more spiritually aware are more prepared to deal with life issues they might encounter on leaving school, for example being faced with rejection after rejection when looking for a job. They see the bigger picture and know that life is about more than just exams and work. School should prepare you for more than just work, it should prepare you for life. Christians have the chance to inspire and provoke schools to change. It’s not about making it law for students to recite the Lord’s Prayer like parrots every day, but it’s about making sure that every young person has the chance to explore what they’re really worth in life. It’s not all bad news though, bands like MJK and Goldigger are playing and teaching in schools all over the country, and joining with the other charities and organisations that are all speaking out and shaking things up. As a band, we often play to crowds of young people, and there’s passion and potential in every face. We strive through our lyrics to point people to God and to his hope and love, to his alternative route through life, where every person can walk strong and steady whatever path they end up taking. Connect with Ed: Website > Twitter >
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More than just a trend We all see them. You spot them from a mile off, but they spot you too. You try to look busy; you speed up your pace to look like you’re in a rush but they jump right in your path... Fund-raisers. They’re everywhere. All wanting just five minutes of your time to get you to give whatever you can each month to help someone live a better life. And what do we do? Avoid them. Let’s be honest, we don’t all have the money to give to every person with a charity box, but is our attitude towards helping others where God wants it to be? Charity. Not change, not choice, not church but Charity. For some reason, I think if I had entitled this simply ‘The Charity Factor’ many of you would have skipped the page straight away! The Charity Factor which was such a predominant part of the early church (Deut 14:28-29, Acts 2:44-47) appears to have become slightly lost as part of the Christian lifestyle of today. For some of us as Christians, it seems as though we have become so caught up in the spiritual that we fail to follow the example that Jesus left by meeting some of the basic physical needs of our brothers and sisters. We may see a need, and our emotions are stirred as we shed a tear, but how many times do we go out of our way to make a difference? For those of you who use face book you may remember a campaign a few months back where face book users changed their profile picture to one of a cartoon character in support of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). It turned out the campaign wasn’t in fact initiated by the NSPCC charity themselves, however it did create positive public awareness for them. So many people (including myself) were happy to get involved and show their support for the campaign. But was this because we genuinely cared about the purpose of the NSPCC or just wanted to be part of the going trend? Did anyone actually donate?
Although we all seem happy to forward an email, send a broadcast message or update a status to promote a cause every now and again it appears that the sincerity of The ‘C’ Factor is not always there. Ask someone to donate £10 for a certain cause and you’ll generally get a response like ‘sorry times are hard right now’, but dress up the £10 as a ticket to a fund-raising concert and…‘I’ll be there!’ Funny isn’t it. Its as though, without even realising it, we show more support for the social trend than the social cause. The aim of this column is not to get you all to give donations to a new charity each month or to make you feel bad that you don’t, but its simply to help you recognise the importance of attending to our brothers and sisters basic physical needs. In Deut 15:11 God commanded that we be “…openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” We are all human and as much as our spirit self is important we must not neglect the physical needs of those around us while still here on earth. However, this requires more than just seeing a need, sharing a need and waiting for someone else to do something about it, through means that are not always financial we all have the ability to exercise love and compassion to lighten someone’s burden. There are great blessings associated with giving but also curses to those who ignore the cry of those in need (Prov 28:27). Together let’s explore ways in which we can make The ‘C’ Factor become part of our everyday lives and reap the benefits of charity. Let’s not shut our eyes to the needs of others but go that extra mile to show benevolent love to our neighbors, knowing that ‘He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord…’ (Prov 19:17)
Connect with Iyisha Twitter >
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Over the last 2-3 months there has been some-what of a boom in artist’s giving away free music. From rappers to singers, all giving away free music. Is this a giving spirit or a sign of things to come? That’s another discussion for another time but until then go and get yourself some free music from some great artist’s such as GUVNA B, Mel Monroe Music, E Tizz, Onitsha, Travis Malloy , Franklyn and PJ Morton.
Click the Mixtape covers to get the Downloads >
Guvna B has established himself as a household name within Gospel music in the U.K being one of the most sought after, most popular and influential artist’s in the U.K. Over the years Guvna B has created a sound and style that has kept U.K Gospel music current with what is popular in mainstream music not providing a ‘Gospel copy’ of mainstream music but rather a Christian equivalent that has the quality and musical prowess to appeal to saint and the sinner. Following up from his recent MOBO Award win Guvna B is releasing a BRAND NEW (20 track) Mix-Tape entitled ‘ScrapBook’. The Mix-Tape is a gift for all the people who have supported him in the past and at present, and to all who voted and supported his MOBO award campaign. Christian Hip Hop newcomer, Mel Monroe has released a brand new Mix-Tape entitled ‘Popular Demand’ on Christmas day! Monroe, best known for her thought provoking lyrics and versatility says the purpose of the Mix-Tape is to not only give a gift to the world for the holiday, but mainly “to visualize some of the most prominent ideologies of the culture through a Biblical lens.” The Mix-Tape is a FREE DOWNLOAD however if you desire to support can donate any amount in return for the Mix-Tape. The choice is yours! One of U.K Gospel’s favourite rapper’s, E Tizz has released a FREE Mix-Tape on Christmas Eve as a present for you all and to say a big thank you for your support and also to give you a sample of what is to come from him in the coming months. We’ve heard it and we love it and we’re now eagerly anticipating the album. The Mix-Tape is a prelude for his highly anticipated sophomore album which will be released Spring 2011. Released under ForeRunnerz the brand new hip hop unit featuring Jahaziel, E Tizz and Tru2DaName, it is the first in a series of Mix-Tape’s which will be released by the group. The Mix-Tape features artists such as Jahaziel, Tru2DaName, Coco Dupree, Elstar, Armor and Brandon and many more… PJ Morton is a musician first and so has a unique and musical sound that is truly his own. He’s a song-writer, producer and also a singer... It seems like he really does it all. He’s not a ‘Gospel’ artist though, but he is a Christian that writes/sings about life and love which are integral parts of our everyday lives in a way that doesn’t conflict with his faith. (If you have questions about Christians singing about love, then you NEED to read PJ’s book, ‘Why can’t I sing about Love’. Simple.) In the spirit of giving PJ has decided to do a Mix-Tape titled ‘Independently Major’. “I just wanted to give people some fun music” said PJ who is currently touring with the world famous band MAROON 5. This is a Mix-Tape for people who have experienced the ups and downs of love and want music to relate with and from someone who is living for God and presents his music in a way that even though he’s not always singing directly about God, that He gets the glory ‘Just Being Frank’ was one of the most anticipated Mix-Tapes of 2010 and has set Franklyn up for a strong finish to the year and a great head-start to 2011. Featuring production from Mobo Award winning artist and producer Victizzle and The Confectionary, you can be sure that this Mix-Tape is going to bring the heat with music that will keep you wanting more and provide the perfect canvas on which Franklyn can use his unique style and creative lyricism to paint a masterpiece. There’s been a lot of people saying that this Mix-Tape is is more like an album... Well, we think they could be right! Check it out for yourself and download it ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! ‘Love Onitsha’ is the FREE Mix-Tape from Onitsha (The Church Girl). All Onitsha fans will have been waiting for this for a while and it is one that is certain to to get attention from all over the world with guest appearances from Drake, Teddy Campbell (of the Soul Seekers) and Amber Riley from the hit TV show ‘GLEE’. Travis Malloyhas been working hard in the studio to bring you all a FREE 13 track Mix-Tape for being great supporters of what he does and also to give you some great new music to listen too until his next album comes out. Some strong songs from the Mix-Tape are ‘It’s Not Over’, ‘Outstanding’, ‘A Tribute To The King’ ‘You Can Make It’ and ‘I Can’t Believe It’. All in all it’s a great Mix-Tape that is sure to get you dancing on your way to School, College, University and even on your way to work so be sure to download and enjoy some GREAT FREE music. We’ve all heard of singles, EPs, albums and even Mix-Tape’s but in 2011, young rapper Mighty wishes to bring something slightly different to the table. For this reason, on the 21st of January 2011, he released his first instalment to a 4 piece Mix-Tape called ‘Servanthood’. A concept taken from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 which he wishes to use to highlight various elements of the art of serving in his life and in the lives of others, with a desire to impact his generation positively. The scripture deals with becoming all things to all men in order to win more through the gospel, and this is his vision for this project. He wishes to set the scene for his forthcoming album which will be announced early 2012. The first installation which he calls a ‘Chapter’ is entitled ‘Ready To serve’ and is an introduction to who Mighty is and where his heart is. It features 4 tracks all centred on the heart of simply being a servant, ready to serve. This chapter is full of catchy choruses, classic samples, unique production (by Mighty himself), witty punch lines and clever metaphors all designed to inject wisdom, provoke thought, and provide enjoyment.