Solid Youth drops new music video

Solid YouthAfter months of listening to the audio version, of the inspirational Solid as a Rock album David Yasin aka Solid Youth has dropped yet another inspirational reggae influenced music video for dancehall music lover.

Dubbed ‘You’re Gonna make it’ the song was recorded in Jamaica several months ago and is one of twelve on the album available at Gift Land Officemax.

When the album was launched the video ‘I’m back’ was also released to rave reviews for its on location in Jamaica scenes and message. Now this new video filmed in Guyana at locations such as Albouystown offers much hope to the stressed out, the lost, the lonely and the helpless.

The artistes says “It uses the gospel of the Holy bible craftily to tell listeners  that with God you will live and not die…you’re gonna make it no matter hard them a try…”

Explaining further he said “this song is for everyone to be motivated and its not religious just the truth that we know all so well but it makes perfect sense musically.

“You can and will be encouraged and up lifted by the message no matter your age, race class or creed the artistes assures of the song that  has all the making of an international hit.

Solid youth is also working on a few more videos with plans to do a national and an international tour before year end.

The 25-year-old said the song’s inspiration was fueled by his father Apostle Mohammed Yasin who had several heart attacks and almost died on each occasion.

“I thought that he was gonna die but through faith and prayers he is still alive and well, thank God….”    He said too that the word of God speaks about life and death in the tongue and so as a prophesy the song speaks into the life of those who have lost all hope and want out… the reason why you are still alive despite your difficulty is because God has purpose and a plan for your life and its not limited to sickness or disease. No matter the situation you are gonna make it no matter what” the Bartician said.

The video filmed and directed by Reverent Colin Edghill and the artistes  and was edited by Darrel Pugsley.

By Mondale Smith

Gospel Singer Sean Sobers ups his music game

Goes One-on-one

Sean SobersThose in the local music industry who like positive, inspirational vibes may recall Sean Sobers for the hit planted. Entertainer caught up with this positive vibes artiste and learnt that he has added yet another song to the local music repertoire and another will soon follow.

The names of the songs are ‘Born for More’ and ‘I’ve Called You.’ Sobers explaining the inspiration behind ‘born for more’ said “many people are living below their true call void of fulfilment and are being undervalued.  “I just realised that there’s more and we need to come to a place where we begin to walk in our true nature and purpose.” He said the inspiration came while he was driving and the words’ “more…. there’s more…we were born for more kept hitting me. So Every day that we rise up there must be a consciousness that what we’re doing, saying and how we’re living is not all there is…there must be a sensing that there’s more.

The well travelled Guyanese artiste of his second song, I’ve Called You, said it is a reminder that “despite of what we’re faced with daily, it is not what people think or say…but it’s about what God has said about you before the foundation and what he has chosen you to do and be. Sobers added that many people feel that they were born into the wrong time and place and their circumstances are unfavorable.  “But through this song I want to remind people that there is a call of God upon their lives,” Sobers said.

He added that he has penned many songs aimed at propelling people forward into destiny and purposeful living because it’s not about where we are or what we used to do but where we’re going to be.

The songs were recorded at a small studio, West Wesleyan Media Production through a team effort that included two fresh and upcoming faces to the gospel music scene to do these songs, Samuel Medas and Rochelle Maximus.

‘Born for more’ was released about two months ago and ‘I’ve called you’ will be released within upcoming weeks.

Thus far this professional barber has released one album titled ‘Process” which features 12 track including ‘planted’ and ‘Heal the Land’. Also there was a DVD release “Live in Suriname” that featured ‘Lord I came here’.

“I’m presently a pastor, and also doing some travelling while working along with a Canadian worship leader and producer.”

Offering his take on the local music industry Sobers expressed the view that “we have the ability to produce quality music, the resources are available and we have been doing much. However people need to see the bigger picture, beyond simply Guyana”. Elaborating further Sobers said he believes that once we adapt that mentality our music will take on a different form and make a greater impact on the international circuit. “We need to stop placing blame and just get up and do it. As has become the norm among the mutterings of Guyanese acts Sobers expressed disappointment with the lack of proper copyright laws for artistes as well.

Contacts: [email protected] Facebook: http://gibsonhillmusic.ning.com/profile/SeanSobers
pix: Sean sobers 1,2 Caption: Guyanese Psalmist Sean Sobers

By Mondale Smith

Solid as a Rock!!!

Solid Youth drops 12-track album fresh out of Jamaica studio

Solid Youth“Yah know that I’m back, pun de attack, they try to make me drop, but I’m solid as a rock…as a matter of fact Satan get drop”

The words of one of the very infectious hooks set to dancehall vibes on a new 12-track gospel laced dance hall/ reggae album from Bartician David Yasin aka Solid Youth.

The third such album to date in his musical career, this album new one produced in Jamaica is now available at Gift Land office Max with plans for expansion to other record stores and judging from rave reviews and sales in Florida it must be really and  inspirational on  another front.

“I launched it in Florida with a concert and people really liked the songs so much so that the bought a whole lot of the original CD.”

The produced and released recently that features songs such as ‘UR Gonna Make it’, ‘Love is the Key’, ‘Krazy,’ ‘Rise up’, ‘Saints’, ‘lively up yah self’, ‘I’m not ashamed’ and ‘I’m back’.

The married youth first tried out the songs on an album launch tour in parts of the USA he will be among the performers at the Youth Explosion carded for March 27 at the National Cultural Centre where persons can pick up an original copy too.

The album also has combination songs with Jamaican artistes Zeela Mac and St. Matthew such as ‘Come unto me’, ‘I worship U’ and ‘Christ Representa.’

Among the inspirational tracks is one that serves to uplift the down trodden stating that “You are gonna make it…you are gonna live and not die…all you gotta do is pray and Jah will make a way.”

Addressing world issues the album also features the universal anthem that ‘Love is the key, we are one family’, but closer to home the artiste amidst his gospel centred up bringing in Bartica he too recalls the dreaded morning that is forever etched in the minds of Guyanese when death stalked First Avenue Bartica and the other unfolding of slaughter in Lusignan.

He sings “Rise up this morning and turn my TV on, only to find out 11 more gone…this is not the time to argue and fight lets all unite… we’ve got our indifferences but we can sit down and talk about this…love is the key open up your eyes and see.’

The Guyanese artiste who is resolute in his praises to God and his unwavering love for Jesus Christ for his talent recently returned from the USA and is aiming to take Guyanese music positively to the highest dancehall level.

Proof that dancehall has no face or ethnic bias, Solid Youth of East Indian ancestry says he aims to prove that young men are not all negative and hopes that his music will inspire those who have stumbled to come up higher in Christ for positive and productive living.

Singing since age 15, Solid Youth became popular for his take on teen sex when he sang “Get it in yah head abstinence…stop talk ignorance, no wed no bed,” a message that sharply contrasted all talk of condom use and early sexual activity as opposed to marriage.”

His parents are pastors and as such he played drums in his home church but had his fair share of lashes and suspension for grabbing more attention due to his chanting of popular dance hall lyrics during school hours.

Then as he said,  “I realised that I was always embarrassing my parents and decided to make a change. Now I have no regrets and the sky is the limit to what I can have.”

His first album was recorded at Kingdom Friends in Guyana and launched in 2004 with a theme of Spiritual warfare. Then came ‘Judgement day’ produced in Trinidad with Sherwin Gardner at Flow-master records.

His memorable songs from those include: we nah believe in safer sex and ‘abstinence’ which was followed by a video.

How did this artiste end up in Jamaica? He said he met and established a communications network with St Mathew an international gospel artiste and he eventually winged out to Jamaica.

The recordings were completed in just about two weeks and he also completed a music video for the song ‘I’m back’ which he is also releasing to all television stations locally.
Prior to this album launch, he has performed in several states in the USA at various Christian functions as well as in the Caribbean. Of this new album the artiste said he believes that this is the best thus far in his career.

By Mondale Smith

GMC Produces Official Music Video for Gospel Music Community’s

Historic All-Star Recording To Benefit Haiti Earthquake Victims;

Kirk Franklin’s “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti”

One Hour Special Presentation

World Premieres Friday, Jan. 22 at 7:00 pm ET on GMC

(Jan. 21, 2010) By Lisa collins, senior music editor, GospelMusicChannel.com — The directive – in the form of emails, text messages and word of mouth – was urgent: to spread the word about a live recording of the gospel music industry’s biggest stars in response to the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit the already poverty-stricken nation of Haiti, impacting an estimated three million people with a death toll some say could top 100,000.

It came from Kirk Franklin, who was moved to act while watching the horrific images broadcast on CNN Wednesday night January 13 from his hotel in Nashville. The next night he took the stage of an already planned prayer service of gospel industry professionals and insiders to make an impassioned personal plea to his fellow artists: to take part in the recording of “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti” to raise funds to help those in Haiti so desperately in need.

“We see these people as God’s children,” Franklin said. “We want to do our part and I just want people to know that the gospel community can respond to a powerful natural disaster.”

The response was overwhelming for what Franklin had dubbed as the gospel community’s answer to “We Are the World,” with more than 150 participants swiftly joining the cause. BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Shirley Caesar, Jeremy Camp, Marvin Winans, J. Moss, Smokie Norful, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kiki Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Bishop Paul Morton, Papa San, Micah Stampley and James Fortune would participate in an important endeavor in addition to the one that brought them to Music City, the 2010 taping of the 25th Annual Stellar Awards.

Franklin contacted Don Jackson, executive producer of The Stellar Awards, to request that the Gospel Music Channel (http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com) television network, which is premiering The Stellar Awards on Feb. 28, send cameras and crews to capture the historic recording event.  GMC did so and is producing the official music video for “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti” which will world premiere in a one hour special presentation on GMC Friday, Jan. 22 at 7:00 p.m. (ET), immediately before GMC’s airing of  the global “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon (8:00 p.m.). The special will be hosted by Lisa Kimmey-Winans and will feature exclusive interview footage with Kirk Franklin from the recording session interspersed throughout multiple runs of the music video.  GMC will encore the special on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 6:00 p.m. (ET).   The music video will then go into heavy rotation in all GMC music video blocks. GMC will also produce and premiere an exclusive “A Love Song for Haiti: The Making of ‘Are You Listening’” behind-the-scenes special in February.

“It’s a great song,” said Verity Records president Jazzy Jordan, whose label will release the song both digitally and commercially. “This is going to be a very strong tribute effort. Kirk has really laid himself out here and the industry has responded. Everyone is donating their time and their contributions, from the artists to the engineers and the studio.”

Frankin said, “It’s a song God gave me after 9-11 but by the time I finished it, the timing had passed and I was just never able to marry it to anything. But as I watched what was going on in Haiti, the Lord brought it to my attention that it would be perfect. We’re trying to record it as quickly as we can so that we can have it to radio within a week and a half, with all of the proceeds going to the people of Haiti.”

The effort couldn’t be any more personal for Central South Director/Gospo Centric Records co-founder Claude Lataillade, who was born in Port-au-Prince and still has relatives there.  “It’s really sad. It’s the worst scenario for Haiti. They don’t have the right infrastructure to handle the kind of devastation that has befallen Port-au-Prince. What I’m hoping is with all this world outpouring, Haiti can get a fresh start out of the ashes.”

For Bishop Paul Morton, it brought back memories of Katrina, which devastated his home and church in New Orleans in 2005.  “Every day I think about Katrina and because of what we’ve gone through in New Orleans, I’m more sensitive to the people of Haiti and to the fact that people reached out to us,” Morton said. “It’s so devastating and I think Kirk’s right for providing us the opportunity to come together and give back, particularly of our talents.”

Mary Mary’s Tina Campbell was in awe when she entered the studio and saw just how many artists had come together to help. “There’s nobody getting paid and it’s just awesome to see so many people committed to helping. I’m listening to the song and seeing all of these artists and saying, Kirk is such a visionary. The lyrics to this song are so necessary and I’m so proud to be part of it.  Adds sister Erica Campbell, “People of faith should be at the forefront of this. This song backs what we stand for and I believe it will help in the healing for victims of this tragedy.”

Like Mary Mary, CeCe Winans believes it’s only fitting that gospel artists lead the way.  “That’s what gospel is about…” Winans said, “Loving people and being the extended hands of God.”

Guyanese Zandra Brown releases first Gospel album in USA

Zandra BrownZandra Brown, a Florida-based Guyanese singer has recorded her first Gospel CD, as she says, “to awaken your questionable thoughts.”

“If you are looking to connect with the lyrics on your own emotions, then get ready to feel the pain, dance for joy, sing praise and rejoice as you enjoy the music of Zandra Brown.

The album includes songs such as Your Love Is a Prayer Breakthrough, You Never Change, Keeping The Faith, Amazing God, Because You Love Me, I Will Not Be Shaken, My Endless Curiosity, A Mystery To Me, Since He Saved Me, I Can’t Turn Back Now, Raise The Name Of God and You’re So Lovely.

Zandra Brown’s style of music is a combination of pop, soul, jazz, rock, funk and blues to enhance her unique take on the modern “Adult Contemporary/Christian” sound.  She refuses to keep God in a box by confining her talents to one style or genre, which open the doors to cross both Christian and secular radio playing.

She will capture your attention with her powerful lyrics and stage presence.

Zandra’s music is personal and comes from deep within her soul.

Describing herself as an independent artist Zandra Brown was born in Guyana and grew up listening to a diverse array of artist the likes Tina Turner, The Beatles and Bob Marley who were inspirational in her passion for music.

When she migrated to America with her family at age 18, she never lost her dream of reaching out to others through music and entertainment. After some disappointing friendships and a lack of superior direction, Zandra began to seek deeper answers and meaning for her life.

In 2004, she turned her life over to God and began singing in her church choir.  She then realized that God had given her other gifts and talents that sparked her already self-driven enthusiastic, high energy personality.

In May 2008, her career progressed to song writing.  She wrote her first song “I Will Not Be Shaken” which was inspired by some difficult times in her life. (www.zandrabrown.com)

US-based Guyanese duo launches album – Anoint me Lord

Sibling duo Joel and Angelina BrowneSibling duo Joel and Angelina Browne amidst the negativity that surrounds youth, are proving that there is still promise. Pursuing higher education in the USA at age 23 and 17 respectively, the former St Rose’s and Queen’s College students have embarked on a musical quest to take the gospel from a Guyanese perspective to the world.

On Boxing Day; December 26 they launched a seven-track album titled ‘Anoint me Lord’. It promises to refresh, bolster and inspire with positivism and spiritual appeal through musical arrangements and lyrical content.

With its genres including contemporary, soca, reggae gospel and Dancehall as well as worship ballads the album appeals to music lovers of all ages.

Though often the quiet one, Angela called ‘Angel’ has a voice that mirrors gospel star Yolanda Adams when she sings. Speaking of the first album her fervent wish is that “our music is recognised in Guyana and beyond as a source of motivation and encouragement in a world full of negativism. She opines that “maybe one day we will stand on top of the Gospel music world and declare that God is, was and is to come and through him all things are possible even among youth in Guyana”.

They both play steel pan; the sister is a dancer. In addition Joey is a saxophonist who plays the drums and keyboard and the bass guitar all wrapped up in one.  A multi-talented youth, he is the Executive Producer of the album and also penned and arranged all of the songs too.

A sure favourite on the album is the patriotic hook from the ‘Guyana’s Children’ song which blends the voices of the duo singing “This is my home, Guyana. The land of the brave and free…I salute those who died to see…One people, one nation, one destiny”.

The other songs include a free spirited contemporary message that encourages all to ‘run to Jesus’ as well as the dancehall laced ‘Born again’ which offers a contagious mix of opera crossed with pop and reggae blended in maestro style.

“We used to sing in church on occasions in Guyana and we do have a lot of songs so we decided to put together this album with the theme anoint me lord because we believe that everyone goes through the experience where they need intervention from God”, said Joel, a student pursuing a degree in General media with a minor in music at the American International University.

The album also offers worship sessions through the spirit stirring ‘Anoint me Lord’ single that pleads with God to ‘anoint me; I want to see your face…Anoint me Lord today’. And further creates an atmosphere to worship through ‘Magnify’ and ‘prophecy music.’

A former worshipper at New Life Ministries Guyana, Joel a multi-talented youth is the owner of Joey2kool.inc.  “We have a whole lot of songs but we selected these seven because they are favourites in our church and we are hoping that Guyana will support this first venture,” the more out spoken of the two said.

The two are the younger children for Bishop Henry Eustace Brown and Pastor Donna. While their eldest sister Yolanda Brown is also a singer.

The album will be in stores soon but copies of the album can be bought the New Life Ministries Cathedral, Lance Gibbs Street, Q/town and Tele: 226-6695 or their manger Saskeia Patterson on 641-6740 for CDs

They are also working to release another album in August of 2010.

(By Mondale Smith)

Christafari

CHRISTAFARI BIOGRAPHY

ChristafariMark Mohr and Christafari are trailblazers, continually pioneering the genre of Gospel reggae in the U.S. and throughout the world. They have performed at two Olympic Games and even played for the President of the United States of America. With their blend of traditional roots and contemporary dancehall reggae, they proclaim a positive message of hope and salvation to a lost generation. After almost two decades, Mark Mohr and Christafari are still standing strong with music that was once considered by some to be just a “fad” or “novelty.” Refusing to be limited to one musical market, their compositions appeal to listeners in the Reggae, CCM, Gospel/Urban, World, and Latin markets alike.

THE NAME

Pronounced CHRIST-AH-FAR-EYE, in Greek, the original language of the New Testament, Christafari is the name given to “a group of people who collectively represent Christ.”

CHRISTAFARI HISTORY

Christafari was founded in 1989 by songwriter, producer, and lead vocalist, Mark Mohr. Raised in a Christian family, Mark strayed from his spiritual upbringing during his teens and turned to drugs, alcohol and even growing marijuana. After having an undeniable encounter with God at a youth camp just before turning 18, Mohr re-committed his life to God and took what he now calls his “Freedom Step out of addiction.” At that point, his greatest desire was to help others step out of the same bondage that once entangled him. He felt God impressing on his heart to start the first gospel reggae band in America. It would be a counter-cult, drug aversion ministry that used the conscious sounds of reggae to bring the lost into the light. Two weeks later this fledgling band was birthed at a camp talent show.
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Information taken from www.christafari.com

Guyana’s 1st Gospel Music Competition

GMC Logo

1ST Place – $150,000, a ticket to Trinidad and Tobago and a free recording of a single

2nd Place – $100,000, a trip to Kaieteur and a free recording of a single

3rd Place – $75,000 and a free recording of a single

Prize for the most improved artiste – $50,000

Open Mic is going to be a Gospel Music with a difference, targeting ages 16-25, it will showcase local talent from all walks of life. Preliminaries will be held at a number of churches but the Final will be at the National Cultural Centre on March 28, 2009.

Registration fee is $500 and you will be subject to an audition. All preliminary events will be strictly acapella because we at Open Mic will be focusing on lyrical content and vocal skills. On the final night the finalist will have the chance to showcase themselves while being backed by Guyana’s number Gospel Band Second Coming.

For further information, contact Dallas Forte on 643-3530 or email [email protected]/[email protected]. Looking forward to seeing the best from the youth of the nation.

Carifesta X Gospel Mega Concert

It is widely speculated in some sections of society that Christians are not fun loving people; some even go to the extreme as to even say boring. But if one were to be present at the super concert held on Thursday August 28th at the National Stadium Providence those perceptions about the Christian community would have been shattered.

This historic concert was a spectacular display of talent which can be found within the Christian community. This concert was historic in the sense that this was the first time since the inaugural Carifesta held here in Guyana 36 years ago that the religious community has been invited to play a critical role in the festival. It was also the biggest gospel concert in Guyana to date as well as the biggest super concert to date that has been held at the National Stadium. The composition of those in attendance was also a sight to behold since it brought out the ethnic diversity in our Guyanese society as represented through the Christian community. Though there were persons of various ages present the majority present, at least for the evening segment, were young people.

The organizers sought to provide a spot in their program for various age groups. As a result of this persons with young children were encouraged to come out during the afternoon hours. The event started at 4pm with booths displaying fashionable yet modest pieces of clothing for the entire family. There were also booths set up by the various artiest slated to perform in the evening with their cd’s and dvd’s on sale. For the children there were rides erected outside the ground to keep them busy and having a fun time.

In the evening the program was packed with items from both local and regional gospel artiest. The MC of the event was shared by Pastor Marlon Hestic and Michella Adraham-Ali. The first of the evening’s performances included songs by persons representing the mining town of Linden and the nationally acclaimed Dominion dancers. The Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony addressed the crowd and expressed satisfaction at the large gathering and declared the event a landmark event in the history of Carifesta and as “the largest gospel concert in the history of Guyana”.

Following the address by the Minister the large crowd was presented with steel pan music from a combined church steel orchestra. Despite their best efforts, the sweet music of the steel pan could only be herd by those in the very front of the venue or on stage.

H.E. President Bharrat Jagdeo addressed the over 20,000 strong gathering and expressed delight at the energy emanating from the venue even jokingly stating “we have enough energy in this place to power Guyana for two years without GPL”. The president even quoted a passage of scripture from Psalm 133, much to the delight of the massive gathering.

After the president’s address it was time for the singers to take to the stage and get the crowd going. Local favorites such as Cherlyn Maloney and Sean Sobers from Linden started things off with songs that got the crowd going wild with excitement. There was also an interesting dramatic piece from the members of the Tuckville Assemblies of God Church. The aim of the skit was non discrimination despite the outward appearance of a individual.

The man from Jamaica took to the stage to the loud cheers of his fans. Yes Prodigal Son sang some of his best known reggae styled gospel music which the young people responded to with energetic flag waving and even jumping and screaming throughout his performance.

The energy remained with the crowd throughout the rest of the performances. An energized Eddie Neblette took to the stage to bring the curtains down on the performances for the evening with hits such as “wrong decision” and “love and unity”. Despite the fact that other local acts scheduled for the event did not get to perform because of time constraints, this concert will dwell in the minds of Guyanese as one of the biggest ever super concerts of this Carifesta.

When you think Christians can’t P.A.R.T.Y. think again?

The Guyanese Gospel popular Trio Kester D, Eddie Neblett and Solid Youth is set to be part of the 3rd event from dancehallgospel.com and Turning Point Promotions. The promoters have had great success in their last two events at the Main Big Lime last Boxing Day and on the Sea wall band stand Easter Monday. Both events thus far has included international Gospel sound systems and artiste such as L-egant ( New York) DJ Evangelist ( Canada) Baby C ( Trinidad ).

The Third installment titled the Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y which will be kept at the new improved Ocean View Poolside promises to be a great night filled with clean entertainment, games, music and much more. When asked why such an event, the promoters responded by saying “Christians have no where much to go and fellowship where the atmosphere can be glorifying to Jesus.” He elaborated by saying “if you go to a regular eatery to fellowship the music and conduct of many is out of order and we cannot afford to compromise our walk with the Lord.”

As many would know the word “party” is associated with things contrary to the lifestyle of a Christian, it was made very clear that it’s not the same at the Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y. The promoters highlighted that P.A.R.T.Y is an acronym for Praise And Reverence To Yahweh.

At the Holy Ghost party there is no alcoholic beverages being served and a dress code of fashionable and modest attire is in effect. The event which seems to attract many also includes DJ Evangelist from Toronto Canada and Craig C from Kingston Jamaica. There will be live video taping by Guyana’s popular gospel T.V. show Things Gospel.

When you think the entry fee for an event such as this would cost over a thousand dollars think again, The Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y tickets is only 500 dollars and is available at Swansea and Everything Music outlets.