have taken place. In other to aptly elucidate this, an understanding
of 'gospel music' is pertinent. Gospel music alias 'sacred song' is
the word of God portrayed with words of men, transformed into melody
or harmony, accompanied with musical instrument(s), or performed
without musical instrument(s): which can be described as “acappela”
i.e. Voice alone. In other words, it is the good news of the kingdom
musically delivered. Gospel music can be referenced to have started as
a result of the advent of the academic discipline of ethno-musicology
through a study of the two thousand - year history of church music,
and through a study of rural folk music traditions. Vis-a-vis the
African American experience, hymns were prominent, and most often than
not had an air of repetition. This was used as a device to ensure
everyone participated in the songs(especially those who could not read
- who were slaves). Then, most churches did not have the instruments
to accompany songs, but this did not impede gospel music in any way.
The advent of Radio in the 1920s largely contributed to the
propagation of gospel music which was eagerly welcomed by a teeming
audience. Shortly after the second world war, gospel music moved into
major auditoriums, and gospel music concerts became quite elaborate.
Since then, gospel music has adopted other genres of music like: hip
hop, soul, R n B, rock etc which today, are widespread. In this piece,
the trends of the nineteenth cum twentieth century gospel music will
be divulged and explicated; along with the present-day gospel trends;
and finally, what the future of gospel music holds.
The term gospel song was in no doubt brought about by
Phillip Bliss after he published the songbook, Gospel Songs. It boasts
of a selected collection of hymns which were much more easy to grasp
and sing in contrast to church hymns. To a large extent, it won't be
out of place to say that what we consider gospel music today(which
covers disparate genres of music), in those days were predominantly
hymns. I must admit that hymns have a way of communicating the word of
God to man. It is usually slow, rythmic, fraught with edifying lyrics;
and sung by choristers with angelic voices. This is unlike the myriads
of fast-paced music we hear today. However, that is not to say that
'fast music' is ineffective. To prove the efficaciousness and
sacrosanctity of these hymns, most of them are still sung in our
churches today. Another thing to briefly add is the enthusiasm and
moral uprightness of gospel musicians of that time. They were driven
by a divine purpose, and this lead to the great impacts of their
music. However, one cannot foolhardily opine same in relation to
gospel artists of this time.
Today's gospel musicians have explored different genres of
music which is clearly, an indication of evolution - a good one at
that. Now, there is, I think, no secular kind of music which does not
have a gospel alternative. This is indeed not unexpected as the
struggle for the souls of men is fiercer than before. However, the
'comma' noticeable in the camp of gospel musicians is the high level
of hypocrisy, moral poverty, insolence towards God's word etc; we see
this everyday acted out by some, or most of them. This is a pathetic
report. Some of them sing gospel songs with their mouth, not with
their heart. Theirs is to make money; and most times, if the 'trade'
is not monetarily encouraging, they opt for secular music - where they
are sure to make it big time. This is not alien to us, neither is it
hearsay - it is reality. To compound their woes, some of them lack
originality. They are copycats. They copy beats, lyrics...from secular
musicians...what blatant idiocy! Gospel music, I must admit has gone
from bad to worse compared to the ancient times, albeit, there are
quite a number of gospel artists who are true to their calling and
mission; they may be few but they are making a difference.
In conclusion, concerning the future, I think the state
of things in the world will get worse(because this is the end time)
but the word of God will continue to prevail through gospel music.
There may be changes in delivery and what have you, but the word of
God will remain constant and effective - his word never returns
without achieving the purpose for which it was proclaimed.
written by Jude Uchella
Do you know that singing boosts your immune system? Scientists say singing boosts immune system.- Singing strengthens the immune system, according to research by scientists at the University of Frankfurt in Germany, published in the latest edition of the US Journal of Behavioral Medicine. The scientists tested the blood of people who sang in a professional choir in the city, before and after a 60 minute rehearsal of Mozart's Requiem.They found that concentrations of immunoglobin A - proteins in the immune system which function as antibodies - and hydrocortisone, an anti-stress hormone, increased significantly during the rehearsal. A week later, when they asked members of the choir to listen to a recording of the Requiem without singing, they found the composition of their blood did not change significantly. The researchers, who included Hans Guenther Bastian from the Institute of Musical Education at Frankfurt University, concluded singing not only strengthened the immune system but also notably improved the performer's mood.
Singing can help prolong life.
- Graham Welch, director for advanced music education at London’s Roehampton Institute, states “Singing exercises the vocal cords and keeps them youthful, even in old age. The less age-battered your voice sounds, the more you will feel, and seem, younger.” He says that when you break into song, your chest expands and your back and shoulders straighten, thus improving your posture. Singing lifts moods and clears the “blues” by taking your mind off the stresses of the day, as well as releasing pain-relieving endorphins. As you sing along, the professor adds, your circulation is improved, which in turn oxygenates the cells and boosts the body’s immune system to ward off minor infections. And “it provides some aerobic exercise for the elderly or disabled,” Welch says. A recent German study has shown that active amateur group singing can lead to significant increases in the production of a protein considered as the first line of defense against respiratory infections, and also leads to positive emotional changes. “Given that every human being is, in principle, capable of developing sufficient vocal skills to participate in a chorale for a lifetime, active group singing may be a risk-free, economic, easily accessible, and yet powerful road to enhanced physiological and psychological well-being.”
Life-Affirming Benefits of Singing - Vocalizing Promotes Well Being By Patty Mills“Singing fortifies health, widens culture, refines the intelligence, enriches the imagination, makes for happiness and endows life with an added zest.” * If you sing in the shower or sing along with the radio, consider taking this raw vocal skill to new heights. Music – the “universal language” not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigor to see us through even the most stress-filled life commitments. Good vocal technique goes beyond the basics to include both physical and vocal warm-ups, proper nutrition, adequate rest and emotional commitment. An experienced vocal teacher will explore all aspects of posture, abdominal and chest development, tone production and breath control. What health club can promise these benefits?
- Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.
- Singing strengthens concentration and memory.
- Singing develops the lungs and promotes superior posture.
- Singing broadens expressive communication.
- Singing adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.
- Singing animates the body, mind and spirit.
- Singing enables the performer to delve into characterization/acting.
- Singing stimulates insight into prose and poetry and piques interests in the inner meaning of words.
- Singing enriches one’s ability to appreciate the art of great singers.
- Singing is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old.
- Singing is therapeutic both emotionally and physically.
Whether or not you become a world-class singer is not important. Sharing the joy of singing will enrich your life far beyond the notes and music. Add a healthy, new dimension to your life – try SINGING!
*American Academy of Teachers of Singing
Patty Mills was an active member of the YankeeMaid Chorus for many years. Most recently she was very involved in marketing and public relations for the chorus. To that end, she wrote this article for publication in the Fairfield/New Haven Counties edition of “Music Notes.” In January 2000, we lost Patty to cancer. The YankeeMaids miss Patty and remember her fondly.
uplifting gospel music is, and how gospel artistes in Africa have not
failed to deliver in this regard. I perused each line with panache and
grace, taking into cognizance the jolly tone of the speaker vis-a-vis
the aforementioned theme. In the end, I didn't have to force a grin,
it came naturally; I was pleased to have read that, and since then I
have subconsciously hoped to scribble something very much like it.
This, undoubtedly, amongst other things is what has occasioned the
writing of this article which borders on a selected crop of gospel
artistes who have been at the top of their game in the music industry.
To be candid, it wasn't easy coming up with the artistes who I'll talk
about here, particularly because I had to restrict the number to
three, as against a myriad of notable and up-and-doing African gospel
artistes. Ironically, in my previous article, where I wrote at great
length the unfocused state of current African gospel musicians in
contrast to those of old; I'm going to explore majorly current gospel
artistes who have painstakingly forged a path which leads to God, and
have decided to lovingly carry others along. In a nutshell, these ones
have got this far and are still progressing because of certain obvious
and, somewhat florid attributes they boast of in addition to the
divine grace of God.
While thinking about what artistes to include in my writing, I kind of
forgot these set of people who are making waves locally and
internationally. They are a very popular South African choir who since
the onset of their ministry have not failed to wow their audience(s)
worldwide. If you can, help me applaud the Soweto Gospel Choir! Yeee!!
If you've never heard of this choir before, then there are two likely
reasons: you don't listen to gospel music or you prefer lone gospel
artistes to choir(s). This 52-man group has achieved a lot since its
inception. Talk about awards, good music, nominations,
performances...etc, they've got it all. Now, let's quickly see a brief
history of this choir; and thereafter some of the things I think has
kept them winning.
Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in November,
2002. In December, 2002 ,their first album “Voices of
Heaven” was recorded and went on to reach the
No. 1 spot on Billboard’s World Music Chart
within 3 weeks of its release in the US. In 2003, the choir won its
first award, a
Helpmann Award, Australia’s prestigious
Performing Arts Award, for “Best Contemporary Music Concert”
Performing for President Mandela. This success was followed when they
won a
2003 American Gospel Music Award for “Best
Choir.” In the same year, they won an American Gospel
Music Award for “Best International Choir.” They performed for
President Bill Clinton at a
corporate function in Little Rock, Arkansas In October 2006. The
choir also performed as invited
guests for their Patron, Archbishop Desmond
Tutu’s 75th Birthday Celebration, in front of an
illustrious audience which included former
President: Nelson Mandela; mrs Zanele Mbeki,
Tokyo Sexwale, Samuel L Jackson, Alfre Woodard and Carlos Santana.
Consquently, they also featured on a guest appearance with Diana
Ross, Deborah Cox and Danny K for the “Unite of
the Stars” Gala Banquet in South Africa in
November 2006. On the 11th of February 2007, Soweto Gospel Choir
received its greatest accolade, a Grammy Award
for their second CD “Blessed”, in the category:
“Best Traditional World Music” Choir Performing. At the same time,
they were nominated for the
26th International Reggae and World Music
Awards, held at the Apollo Theatre, Harlem, on 5
May, in the category “Contribution to World
Music”, alongside Jimmy Cliff, Salif Keita, Youssou
N’Dour and Ziggy Marley. In May 2007, the choir won a SAMA Award
(South African Music Association Award) in the
category “Best Live Performance DVD.” In November 2007, Soweto
Gospel Choir won a Metro FM Music Award for
Best Gospel Album for “African Spirit”, based on
nominations submitted by the radio station’s
listeners, and the public. In February 2008, the choir was awarded a
second Grammy Award for their third album
“African Spirit”, in the “Best Traditional World
Music” category. Also in February 2008, the choir was honoured
with the PanSALB Award for Multilingualism and
nation building, for “Album of the Decade” Performing for President
Mandela. The choir has toured the world extensively,
performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie
Hall, Sydney Opera House, the Nelson Mandela
Theatre, and Royal Festival Hall in London. SGC received its third Grammy
nomination in December 2008, this time in the
category Best Contemporary World Music, for
their album, “Live at the Nelson Mandela Theatre” The choir was one of
three featured African
artists for the FIFA World Cup Draw held in Cape
Town in December 2009. They can then add an Emmy to their two
Grammys, three ‘associated ‘Grammys, three
SAMAS and one Oscar nomination – an amazing
achievement. The choir has also been featured in several
prestigious magazines and books including
Time magazine and in Andrew Zuckerman’s
“Music.'' In December 2010, SGC received
its fourth Grammy nomination, in the Best
Traditional World Music category, for its album
“Grace”.
Please, do not stone me for not keeping to the word 'brief' but as you
can see, the recap of their past achievements are just too captivating
to be left out. However, I still cut it short due to its amazing
verbosity. SGC has indeed achieved a lot, and no doubt, with the kind
of godly enthusiasm they exhume, they'll go for more. Now, one of the
things I believe has kept this group winning and being relevant is the
fact that they do good music. What is good music? In my own words,
I'll say good music entails: nice lyrics, sweet voices, adept
coordination, great performances, and the fact that they do 'gospel'
alias 'good news' if you know what I mean. They're not substandard
singers, they always come up with their best in their unique South
African style. Another attribute of theirs worthy of note is that they
are consistent. They are not like some other Tom, Dick and Harry
singers that throw in the towel after a short while due to reasons
best known to them. For more than a decade they've kept the flag
flying. In relation to their many astounding achievements, this
scripture comes to mind: ''Do you see a man skilled in his work? He
will serve
before kings; he will not serve before obscure men''(Proverbs 22:29).
Most importantly and finally, SGC do not lack the powerful backing of
the Holy Spirit. They bask in his guidance and love, and preach Him
wherever they go. How do I know? The spirit is one.
Moving on, there is another sensational group positively 'rocking' the
music industry in Africa and oversees. They are of Nigerian descent,
most times energetic in their performances, have a workaholic and
gifted coordinator, are extensively creative(especially in how they're
able to modify seemingly slow and annoying worship songs into
hits)...give it up for the widely accredited Tim Godfrey and the
Xtreme Crew! Yeee!! This group has been on for quite some time now,
and they've achieved much in such a little while. Here is a brief
synopsis of their history. This time around I mean BRIEF. Let's go!
Tim Godfrey and the Xtreme Crew have performed
professionally in a myriad of events both within and
outside Nigeria since its inception. They have
performed alongside Sammie Okposo, Sunny Neji,
Folake Omusen in South Africa during the Kora
Awards in 2005; performed in Ghana during the Ghana Music Awards
2006, toured five states in
America in June 2006; inter-states tour with
Nigerian best rated gospel Artistes organised by a
UK based music company "SET HIM OFF MUSIC
MINISTRIES" 2007. Despite being in the tough category at the maiden
edition of Crystal Gospel Award, Tim Godfrey and Xtreme
Crew emerged with the Best Praise Song award with their
Ekelebe hit. Godfrey, who was nominated alongside Gaise,
Midnight Crew, Sinach, and Nene Soul Diva,
outshone the rest to emerge the winner of the
category. Since his debut into the gospel music scene, he has
won several awards that include: AGMA (Europe),
two Kingdom Africa Awards, PBOF Award, NEA
award (New York), ABC minister’s Recognition
Award, and has also been nominated for several
awards but the recent ones are Crystal Awards and AGMA, which he won.
These are the members of the band: Adesua Omoaghe, Blessyn Austyn,
Philip Abel, Chynwe Orji, Yemisi Ashaolu,
Sunday Nweke, Nnana Dominic, Mairo Ochocho,
Pepetual Ikechukwu, Paul Martins.
Was that brief enough? Well..I guess so. Now, back to business. I
remember the last time this band was invited to perform at a crusade
organized by my church. It was a blissful experience I must say. The
charisma, the modus operandi, the high level of creativity they oozed
of were a few amongst many things that endeared me to them. Having
experienced the energy and drive in the praise session, I felt I had
seen it all till the worship session started. Jeez! These folks are
worshippers! Further away from that, I believe they appeal to a wide
range of audiences(young and old) on the basis of the quality and
style of their songs. Another notable fact is the band's leader's vim
and vigour which he successfully uses in charging up his team members
and stirring the crowd. Tim Godfrey and the Xtreme Crew have achieved
much in such a short period of time; and indisputably, with the
youthful exuberance, the originality of their minds translated into
songs, the unwavering backing of the Creator - they're destined for
greatness.
Finally, to cap it all, I present to you the president of Rock Town
Records, Frank Edwards. He is one of those few musicians I adore so
much. Well, call my motive lame but one striking feature of his I like
is his ability to sing with a high pitch on 'high' keys. Dude! That
guy is good! So far, he's dropped four albums and each of them can be
best described as 'wow.' Anyways, below is a summary of his music
career.
Frank Edwards is an exceptional, versatile and
multiple award-winning rock artiste whose melodic
voice and enjoyable instrumentals span nearly
every genre of music. Basically, he makes good music. He is a
music minister in Christ Embassy. Frank Edwards is also the President
of Rock Town
Records, his own record label. He currently has four
albums to his credit (The Definition, Angels on the
Runway, Unlimited, and T.A.G.J.A.M), as well as a
joint album (Higher Place) with another artiste,
Bella. He started singing at the age of
ten, and he learnt how to play the piano from his
father when he was young. In May 2011 he was nominated as the Gospel
artiste of the year in the 6th Annual Nigeria
Entertainment Awards (NEA). He won the award for
the best Gospel Rock artiste in the 1st annual Awards. He also won
West Africa best male vocalist award in 2012; best hit single at the
love world
awards 2012; and three awards at the Nigeria gospel
music awards (male artiste of the year, song of the
year and best male vocal).
What an archive of awards! And still more to come. Apart from his
amazing voice, Frank has stood out because of the genre of music he
majors in - rock, which is rare in Nigeria gospel music industry.
That is not to say that he doesn't explore other genres of music. What
more can be said about him? Nought! I believe he has a promising
career.
African gospel music keeps getting better and better, and the way it's
going, I don't think any artiste is willing to drop his/her standard.
And that's a good thing. Shoutout to all and sundry doing gospel
music...God bless you, and enlighten you to do better than you have
done. Halleluyah somebody!
By Jude Uchella
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