Publication date: 21 February 2008
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UKG FIRST PLAY
PHOTO: YINKA AWOJOBI
Okay, it's no big secret: things are absolutely blazing on the underground.
The current stock of gospel artists have the Grime/Garage/Hip-hop gospel thing completely
on lock. With the ubiquitous MySpace facilitating wide access to a huge range of independent
music, you'll be forgiven for thinking that all UK gospel is about is the contemporary sound.
The current stock of gospel artists have the Grime/Garage/Hip-hop gospel thing completely
on lock. With the ubiquitous MySpace facilitating wide access to a huge range of independent
music, you'll be forgiven for thinking that all UK gospel is about is the contemporary sound.
BUT THERE'S MORE...
However, dig a bit deeper and you'll find that Reggae has progressed the UK cause on the international stage
arguably more than almost any other genre outside of Praise & Worship.
From Luton's KING ARTHUR and BIBLIKAL, to Birmingham's OWEN URIAH and SPANNA, to London's
REDBEARD and HIS MAJESTY'S SOUND SYSTEM and even TRYUMF (yes, the same), UK Reggae artists not
only continually foster international relationships, but also win awards outside of our shores...
I first heard about SHADRACH a few years ago when a good friend of mine from the influential US/Canada-
based GospelFlava.com was looking to track him down.
Back then, his debut album ASHES TO ASHES was generating big responses in heavyweight quarters.
CHRISTAFARI's MARK MOHR was a massive fan of the project (he made it one of his top Dancehall picks of
the year, and introduced it as 'the next big thing in Gospel Reggae'), with good reason.
It's a brilliant slice of real Reggae. None of that lite-Reggae business here.
And with its inclusion on UKG Shop.com, a few discerning people got to discover exactly
how SHADRACH rolls. There might even be a few copies left.
arguably more than almost any other genre outside of Praise & Worship.
From Luton's KING ARTHUR and BIBLIKAL, to Birmingham's OWEN URIAH and SPANNA, to London's
REDBEARD and HIS MAJESTY'S SOUND SYSTEM and even TRYUMF (yes, the same), UK Reggae artists not
only continually foster international relationships, but also win awards outside of our shores...
I first heard about SHADRACH a few years ago when a good friend of mine from the influential US/Canada-
based GospelFlava.com was looking to track him down.
Back then, his debut album ASHES TO ASHES was generating big responses in heavyweight quarters.
CHRISTAFARI's MARK MOHR was a massive fan of the project (he made it one of his top Dancehall picks of
the year, and introduced it as 'the next big thing in Gospel Reggae'), with good reason.
It's a brilliant slice of real Reggae. None of that lite-Reggae business here.
And with its inclusion on UKG Shop.com, a few discerning people got to discover exactly
how SHADRACH rolls. There might even be a few copies left.
THE BUZZ
Late last year SHADRACH's follow up, STAND FIRM came out. Produced by RIGHTEOUS
CORNER, it continues the high quality theme, this time incorporating elements of
Hip-hop and Ska on a few tracks, alongside his trademark, high standard lyricism and delivery.
It was a good as time as any to pick up with MR SHADRACH and get him on here. My work on the development
of UKG Shop.com meant that I've had to wait until now to publish this, but like they say: better late than never.
Show the guy some love. He's VERY good at what he does. This is genuine, unapologetic, articulate Gospel
Reggae - the way it's meant to be...
Yinka Awojobi
Content Development
UK Gospel.com
CORNER, it continues the high quality theme, this time incorporating elements of
Hip-hop and Ska on a few tracks, alongside his trademark, high standard lyricism and delivery.
It was a good as time as any to pick up with MR SHADRACH and get him on here. My work on the development
of UKG Shop.com meant that I've had to wait until now to publish this, but like they say: better late than never.
Show the guy some love. He's VERY good at what he does. This is genuine, unapologetic, articulate Gospel
Reggae - the way it's meant to be...
Yinka Awojobi
Content Development
UK Gospel.com
SHADRACH. BASED: South London
I grew up in the heart of Brixton, where you needed to have a so-called 'rude
boy attitude' just to fit in.
Gradually I found myself in the company of many notorious gangsters and villains, and because of
this I found myself in life or death situations.
One by one my friends were killed in gang wars, and as the saying goes: I'm here but by the Grace of God! Every time I left my house I came across some one telling me 'Jesus Loves you', even if I was in a large group of people they seemed to single me out to give me that message.
One day I was walking through my neighbourhood and heard some lively music and thought I'd have a closer look. It turned out to be a gospel outreach, and before I left a bro named Alex led me in the sinner's prayer. I'm pleased to say I've never looked back since, old things have truly passed away and now I'm a happily married man with beautiful children.
I released an album in 2004 called ASHES TO ASHES. Many people have said this album is 'radical' and I believe that God wants me to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ through this musical ministry without compromise.
I grew up in the heart of Brixton, where you needed to have a so-called 'rude
boy attitude' just to fit in.
Gradually I found myself in the company of many notorious gangsters and villains, and because of
this I found myself in life or death situations.
One by one my friends were killed in gang wars, and as the saying goes: I'm here but by the Grace of God! Every time I left my house I came across some one telling me 'Jesus Loves you', even if I was in a large group of people they seemed to single me out to give me that message.
One day I was walking through my neighbourhood and heard some lively music and thought I'd have a closer look. It turned out to be a gospel outreach, and before I left a bro named Alex led me in the sinner's prayer. I'm pleased to say I've never looked back since, old things have truly passed away and now I'm a happily married man with beautiful children.
I released an album in 2004 called ASHES TO ASHES. Many people have said this album is 'radical' and I believe that God wants me to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ through this musical ministry without compromise.
NAME:
PERSONAL HISTORY:
PERSONAL HISTORY:
One by one my friends were killed in gang wars, and
as the saying goes: I'm here but by the Grace of God!
as the saying goes: I'm here but by the Grace of God!
YOUR TAKE ON THE CURRENT STATE OF THE UK GOSPEL MUSIC INDUSTRY..?
...AND THE UK GOSPEL REGGAE INDUSTRY?
YOU FIRST CAME TO WIDER PROMINENCE WITH TRACK 'BORN AGAIN', ON 'THE NEW SOUND OF GOSPEL' DOUBLE ALBUM
PROJECT..
HOW MUCH DID THAT IMPACT WHAT YOU DO?
...AND THE UK GOSPEL REGGAE INDUSTRY?
YOU FIRST CAME TO WIDER PROMINENCE WITH TRACK 'BORN AGAIN', ON 'THE NEW SOUND OF GOSPEL' DOUBLE ALBUM
PROJECT..
HOW MUCH DID THAT IMPACT WHAT YOU DO?
> It was voted 'Best Newcomer' for the (US-based) URBAN GOSPEL ALLIANCE AWARDS, and went to number 1 for over 10 weeks in the Lion of Zion reggae charts.
The album was recognized abroad far more than I could have imagined, and I've had some very positive feedback from unsaved people which I count as a blessing as it was always my prayer to reach out to the lost.
> You certainly have more freedom to manoeuvre as you desire, however there are advantages of working within a team.
> I don't think UK gospel has reached its full potential internationally, and we still have some way in shedding the reputation of old, but I definitely think that here in the UK we are as good as any other international artist.
> In my opinion the current state of the UK gospel industry is in need of more imaginative and dynamic producers as the general sound/flavour seems not as advanced as our overseas counter parts.
However artists such as RAYMOND & CO, THE COMPANY, JAHAZIEL and ROGER SAMUELS and many others have bridged the gap and have taken ministry on another level.
> UK gospel reggae music is very well received here and abroad especially if you have good lyrical content and good stage presence.
> JEANINE (LEVY) [Head of Marketing and A&R for Integrity Europe] happened to be at a venue in Birmingham and heard the song playing and liked it, and thought it would be good to have a Reggae track on the album, so it started from there.
> Being part of the Integrity project has had a substantial impact on my ministry, when ever I minister people always request that particular song which I'm very grateful for - however there's a lot more in the catalogue!!
'BORN AGAIN' WAS TAKEN FROM YOUR FIRST PROJECT, 'ASHES TO ASHES': SERIOUS ALBUM!
'STAND FIRM' IS YOUR SECOND RELEASE. WHAT'S IT LIKE RELEASING PROJECTS AS AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST AT THIS POINT IN TIME...?
YOU'VE HAD INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE. IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, HOW IS THE UK INDUSTRY VIEWED INTERNATIONALLY...?
WHAT KIND OF A VIBE ARE YOU GOING FOR WITH 'STAND FIRM'?
'STAND FIRM' IS YOUR SECOND RELEASE. WHAT'S IT LIKE RELEASING PROJECTS AS AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST AT THIS POINT IN TIME...?
YOU'VE HAD INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE. IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, HOW IS THE UK INDUSTRY VIEWED INTERNATIONALLY...?
WHAT KIND OF A VIBE ARE YOU GOING FOR WITH 'STAND FIRM'?
> I was hoping to achieve a more mature vibe in terms of lyrical content and sound. I was also aiming for a more diverse sound to show that I can be versatile and not stick to the same formula.
SUPPORT - Buy the music
The album was recognized abroad far more than I could have imagined...
I've had some very positive feedback from unsaved people which I count
as a blessing as it was always my prayer to reach out to the lost.
I've had some very positive feedback from unsaved people which I count
as a blessing as it was always my prayer to reach out to the lost.
AND AS WORK STARTS ON PROMOTING THE NEW ALBUM, WHAT'S THE GRAND PLAN...?
> My main focus or goal is to inspire people to live for Christ and see the benefits of living a life that is pleasing to God. Wherever God leads me thats where I'll be because I don't want to do a Jonah, zeen.
...The way I see it is the sky is the limit for the UK gospel industry so long as we have the right backing and recognition...
...The way I see it is the sky is the limit for the UK gospel industry so long as we have the right backing and recognition...
LINKS & CREDITS
WORDS & PICTURES: SHADRACH/Yinka Awojobi
SHARACH - MySpace RIGHTEOUS CORNER - website
SHADRACH's ALBUMS
SHARACH - MySpace RIGHTEOUS CORNER - website
SHADRACH's ALBUMS
ASHES TO ASHES STAND FIRM NEW SOUND OF GOSPEL
LISTEN TO PREVIEW MIX LISTEN TO PREVIEW MIX LISTEN TO PREVIEW MIX
Click here to go to UKG Shop.com
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