GOSPEL NEWS ............................................................................................................................... .................................................................................. . MEET THE ARTIST
Time2Shine is a London-based talent search, now in its second year, which gives Christian artists an opportunity to compete for a record deal. Keep The Faith talks to the brainchild behind this initiative: Mercy B.
ISRAEL
HOUGHTON CELEBRATES 10TH
KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): Time2Shine was first held last year. What made you decide to organise a televised gospel talent search? MERCY B (MB): God gave me a vision and means to provide a platform for gospel artists, where they can showcase their talent for the world to see. There are many talented gospel singers in the Church that go unnoticed, and they end up in the secular world where they are misguided and exploited. Here, they can do what they love, and do it for the body of Christ without having to compromise their faith.
ANNIVERSARY
KTF: Almost 200 people entered Time2Shine. What did you enjoy most about the process of finding the winner for your search? MB: I remember when we were having the audition at the South London location. During the break, the contestants started to worship, and everybody left their food and joined them in worship. The atmosphere was so beautiful, and we could all feel the presence of God.
KTF: What has the winning group been up to since they were announced winners at the final last year? MB: The winners have been busy recording an album and music video. They have been kept really busy, as they are also preparing for their international tour where they will perform at the Barbados Gospel Fest for the first time abroad as a group. There is a lot to watch out for, especially their album launch concert coming soon this Spring.
KTF: Time2Shine 2012 is set to start in May 2012. How does this year’s Time2Shine gospel talent search differ from last year’s one? MB: This year should prove to be more exciting, fun, with twists and challenges for the contestants, and more episodes for our viewers. Our audience should be able to engage and build a relationship with the contestants this year, and also be able to take part in the fun and process of finding the next gospel sensation.
Israel Houghton is one of the leading psalmists of this generation. His repertoire of songs, which includes You Are Good, Friend Of God, Alpha and Omega, Moving Forward and To Worship You I Live, is sung in churches of all races and cultures throughout the world.
In celebration of his great talent, Kingsway Music and Integrity have joined forces to release Decade: The Best of Israel Houghton & New Breed from 2002-2012, which features many of his well-known songs.
During his long career, Israel has amassed six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award and four Grammy Awards, and currently serves as worship leader at Lakewood Church, Houston, led by Joel Osteen.
For more details visit
www.newbreedmusic.com
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KTF: Tell us a bit about yourself. What did you do before launching Time2Shine last year? MB: I am a singer/songwriter, which I have been doing for as long as I can remember. I also own a hair and beauty salon in south east London, which has been running for almost 13 years.
KTF: Who are your three favourite gospel artists, and why? MB: Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams and Helen Baylor. I love these three artists, as they always sing inspirational and uplifting songs. I like to listen to songs that will motivate me and keep me inspired, so they give me just the right words and message to never give up on any journey I start.
KTF: Describe Tobi Balogun in five words. MB: Motivational, humorous, God-fearing, fashionable and forgiving.
The Time2Shine gospel talent search starts in May.
For more details visit
www.time2shineministry.com
GOSPEL NEWS
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