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Publication Date: 22 NOVEMBER 2007
UKG FIRST PLAY
WELCOME TO THE UNDERGROUND
Someone wasn't reading the script. The 'Best Gospel' MOBO 2007 award
was supposed to go to JAHAZIEL. Or FOUR KORNERZ... You know,
people who were seen to have paid their dues. Not G FORCE, an
'underground' group that few had even heard of...
was supposed to go to JAHAZIEL. Or FOUR KORNERZ... You know,
people who were seen to have paid their dues. Not G FORCE, an
'underground' group that few had even heard of...
The great thing is - there's tons more where they came from: meet TRIPLE O.
The UK scene's incredible vibrance stems from the fact that it isn't as bound
by the (percieved and actual) conservative restraints we've seen impede
the migration of the underground sound to the gospel mainstream in other
parts of the world (the USA being the most obvious example).
Over here I think we've kinda taken that Apostle Paul thing to heart: be all
things to all men, to possibly win some (I paraphrase...)
So, enter: TRIPLE O. His is typical of the passion in many young people in
the UK today: fierce in their belief of the power of God, focused in the study
of His word, and articulate in the preaching of it through music.
Welcome to the underground. After this TRIPLE O piece I think I might
do a few more. Make it a series. Call it: 'Best of the Underground'...
by the (percieved and actual) conservative restraints we've seen impede
the migration of the underground sound to the gospel mainstream in other
parts of the world (the USA being the most obvious example).
Over here I think we've kinda taken that Apostle Paul thing to heart: be all
things to all men, to possibly win some (I paraphrase...)
So, enter: TRIPLE O. His is typical of the passion in many young people in
the UK today: fierce in their belief of the power of God, focused in the study
of His word, and articulate in the preaching of it through music.
Welcome to the underground. After this TRIPLE O piece I think I might
do a few more. Make it a series. Call it: 'Best of the Underground'...
Yinka Awojobi
Content Development
UK Gospel.com
Content Development
UK Gospel.com
FIRST THINGS FIRST: 'TRIPLE O'...?
HOW DID YOU START OUT..?
HOW DID YOU START OUT..?
Well, it has three meanings. First of all its my initials, OLUWATOBI
OLUWAMBE OYEFESO from my Yoruba (Nigerian) name, but it's just
Tobi for short.
Secondly it stands for Original, One and Only. Based on three scriptures
(Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:14 and 1st Peter 2:9). So all I am doing is
acknowledging that I am unique, far from an accident; an individual
with purpose.
Thirdly the triple represents the trinity (God the father, the Son and the
Holy Spirit) and therefore is a constant reminder of what I've been
OLUWAMBE OYEFESO from my Yoruba (Nigerian) name, but it's just
Tobi for short.
Secondly it stands for Original, One and Only. Based on three scriptures
(Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:14 and 1st Peter 2:9). So all I am doing is
acknowledging that I am unique, far from an accident; an individual
with purpose.
Thirdly the triple represents the trinity (God the father, the Son and the
Holy Spirit) and therefore is a constant reminder of what I've been
blessed to do and who I'm doing it for.
Well, the group that I am a part of (GIFTED TONGUES) was formed in the summer of 2005, consisting myself, GENESIS and E-MAN. Since then God has really been faithful towards the ministry.
But I think things really set off when L'DUBZY invited me to drop an eight-bar verse on his tune PRAISE PROJECT later on in the same year. That really opened up a lot of doors for me,
and with the subsequent release of my promo CD in late 2005, I really experienced the favour of God.
Minor Correction: I try to abstain using the title 'Grime'. It's too much of a contradiction. Gospel (good news) and Grime (dirt/filth): I see no correlation.
Well, the group that I am a part of (GIFTED TONGUES) was formed in the summer of 2005, consisting myself, GENESIS and E-MAN. Since then God has really been faithful towards the ministry.
But I think things really set off when L'DUBZY invited me to drop an eight-bar verse on his tune PRAISE PROJECT later on in the same year. That really opened up a lot of doors for me,
and with the subsequent release of my promo CD in late 2005, I really experienced the favour of God.
Minor Correction: I try to abstain using the title 'Grime'. It's too much of a contradiction. Gospel (good news) and Grime (dirt/filth): I see no correlation.
AND GRIME IS YOUR MUSIC FORMAT OF CHOICE...
So in regards to Gospel-Garage music, I believe we as MCs/rappers are that bridge very necessary to getting this gun-crazed, lust-driven generation back into the churches. I have also noticed that with this genre of music, it is easier to encapsulate the attention of these youth.
One way of putting it is that as ministers of music, we are speaking the language of the community whilst avoiding all levels of conformity (Rom12:2).
Another thing which is very apparent is that when it comes to gospel music there are a lot of pre-conceptions held by non-believers. In using Garage music, I aim to break any barriers erected in the hearts of my peers.
Right now I am still finding my footing within the industry, with that being the scariest
One way of putting it is that as ministers of music, we are speaking the language of the community whilst avoiding all levels of conformity (Rom12:2).
Another thing which is very apparent is that when it comes to gospel music there are a lot of pre-conceptions held by non-believers. In using Garage music, I aim to break any barriers erected in the hearts of my peers.
Right now I am still finding my footing within the industry, with that being the scariest
YOU'RE RELATIVELY NEW TO THE GOSPEL SCENE.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF IT...?
EXPLAIN...
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF IT...?
EXPLAIN...
thing, God's gospel becoming an industry.
I've recently noticed that the scene is becoming too business orientated. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the scene being very professional and thorough in its dealings; in fact it's
necessary, especially if we want the secular industry and the rest of the world to take us seriously.
But we need to remember that what we are delivering a message, and as ministers of his word
we have been called to accurately communicate God's heart and his words to everyone. But due to commercialization, artists tend to water down their message, only keeping the undiluted formula for church settings.
I've recently noticed that the scene is becoming too business orientated. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the scene being very professional and thorough in its dealings; in fact it's
necessary, especially if we want the secular industry and the rest of the world to take us seriously.
But we need to remember that what we are delivering a message, and as ministers of his word
we have been called to accurately communicate God's heart and his words to everyone. But due to commercialization, artists tend to water down their message, only keeping the undiluted formula for church settings.
Well, I understand that our music needs to be able to reach all kinds of people, and I also understand that some people need milk and need to be breastfed, whilst others are ready for meat (if you understand what I mean...), but that does not mean that we as ministers ignorantly conform to the demands of the world.
If you look at the American market, gospel artists are respected for the work they do and the message they bring. That's why you see people like KIRK FRANKLIN, MARY MARY and TYE TRIBBETT at secular award shows. But at the same time we do need to apply wisdom. So really it's all about personal conviction.
Something else I have seen is that there is a very clear division between the underground scene and those more established artists.
If you look at the American market, gospel artists are respected for the work they do and the message they bring. That's why you see people like KIRK FRANKLIN, MARY MARY and TYE TRIBBETT at secular award shows. But at the same time we do need to apply wisdom. So really it's all about personal conviction.
Something else I have seen is that there is a very clear division between the underground scene and those more established artists.
WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS..?
INTERESTING. LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND. PRODUCTION WISE, WHO HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH..?
INTERESTING. LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND. PRODUCTION WISE, WHO HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH..?
Not that it's a bad thing, but due to the fact that a lot of people in the UK are independent acts and not signed to major labels, everyone tends to look after number one i.e. themselves.
So those who have been through the ranks and are still climbing do not have the time to properly guide those coming behind them.
So the gap is widening, underground artists are making mistakes they should not be making if
proper guidance was given and established artists are losing touch with the younger generation.
It is only through unity that we can grow as a whole and make a stronger impact in society. The bible talks about iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17); we need to see more of this. We are all still growing and constantly learning. You would be surprised about some of things the elder lot could learn from this forthcoming generation.
So those who have been through the ranks and are still climbing do not have the time to properly guide those coming behind them.
So the gap is widening, underground artists are making mistakes they should not be making if
proper guidance was given and established artists are losing touch with the younger generation.
It is only through unity that we can grow as a whole and make a stronger impact in society. The bible talks about iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17); we need to see more of this. We are all still growing and constantly learning. You would be surprised about some of things the elder lot could learn from this forthcoming generation.
I have been overly blessed to have had worked with some serious people. VICTIZZLE PRODUCTIONS, MARKSTARR, TKAY 'LIMEFLEX' MELODY, TP KREATIONS, WEZ 'ER NATE and my family BEATS BEHIND BARS. Believe you me, the kingdom have some serious producers who are doing some amazing things.
I love music. So when it comes to those who inspire and encourage me there are just too many to name. I believe that for real musical growth it is important that inspiration is drawn
upon from all genres.
American ministers such as TYE TRIBBETT, PHANATIK and DONNIE MCCLURKIN and have all influenced my music. Any one who knows me will also know that DA T.R.U.T.H has had a major influence over the ministry especially after his 2007 release OPEN BOOK. It is such a solid project, very well biblically rooted with a serious message.
I love music. So when it comes to those who inspire and encourage me there are just too many to name. I believe that for real musical growth it is important that inspiration is drawn
upon from all genres.
American ministers such as TYE TRIBBETT, PHANATIK and DONNIE MCCLURKIN and have all influenced my music. Any one who knows me will also know that DA T.R.U.T.H has had a major influence over the ministry especially after his 2007 release OPEN BOOK. It is such a solid project, very well biblically rooted with a serious message.
MUSICAL INSPIRATION..?
AND HOW EASY IS IT FOR A NEW ARTIST TO RAISE THEIR PROFILE IN THE UK INDUSTRY..?
AND HOW EASY IS IT FOR A NEW ARTIST TO RAISE THEIR PROFILE IN THE UK INDUSTRY..?
From the UK guys; like COMMISSION, S.O., NEW DIRECTION CREW, DWAYNE TRYUMF, JAHAZIEL, G-FORCE, GUVNA B, JAYESS and SAMMY G are really setting the pace and inspire me to remain on my toes.
That is a trick question.
I've been blessed to have been raised up in London, the capital. So honestly, my peers and I have found it easier (not easy) to experience sufficient levels of exposure. Mediums like RMUSIC TV, as well as DJ FITZ (when BBC 1Xtra still had a gospel show) and DAVE P on London-based commercial stations (CHOIE FM) mean that we (as London based artists) have a
lot on our doorstep.
That is a trick question.
I've been blessed to have been raised up in London, the capital. So honestly, my peers and I have found it easier (not easy) to experience sufficient levels of exposure. Mediums like RMUSIC TV, as well as DJ FITZ (when BBC 1Xtra still had a gospel show) and DAVE P on London-based commercial stations (CHOIE FM) mean that we (as London based artists) have a
lot on our doorstep.
From opinion I feel that artists such as NU LIFE, SAM MOORE, ONE QUEST, SONS OF LIGHT, FOUNDSOULS FAM etc, who are not based within London, may have had to work that extra bit harder.
London and its movements are more publicized than those made by other cities. But this can also be a hindrance. Ministers based within the capital have to avoid all levels of complacency; London is not the be all and end all of the UK.
With G-FORCE winning the MOBO for best gospel, it has only opened up the door for the underground scene. It acts as a means of encouragement for ministers like me. So expect more of the same sort to really start pushing through over the next year or so.
All in all, nothing but growth is to be expected. Things are moving with pace and in the right direction. Album/EP releases, DVDs, outreaches and so much more are great signs of some
London and its movements are more publicized than those made by other cities. But this can also be a hindrance. Ministers based within the capital have to avoid all levels of complacency; London is not the be all and end all of the UK.
With G-FORCE winning the MOBO for best gospel, it has only opened up the door for the underground scene. It acts as a means of encouragement for ministers like me. So expect more of the same sort to really start pushing through over the next year or so.
All in all, nothing but growth is to be expected. Things are moving with pace and in the right direction. Album/EP releases, DVDs, outreaches and so much more are great signs of some
WHAT'S THE FUTURE FOR UK GOSPEL..?
great things. The secular industry are bored of the same old same old from their own artists, they desire something different.
That's where we come in. Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), so we need to make a difference whilst staying consistent. But the key is not forgetting the source of all our music, Jesus. You can't have gospel music without the good news (The Bible). So as long as we stay rooted in the word, I don't see why growth can't happen.
I'm currently in university, so that is my main priority. The Debut EP ONE THING will be dropping around Christmas time this year. We've also got something very big planned for early 2008, so keep your ears to the streets. But all in all, God is moving.
That's where we come in. Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), so we need to make a difference whilst staying consistent. But the key is not forgetting the source of all our music, Jesus. You can't have gospel music without the good news (The Bible). So as long as we stay rooted in the word, I don't see why growth can't happen.
I'm currently in university, so that is my main priority. The Debut EP ONE THING will be dropping around Christmas time this year. We've also got something very big planned for early 2008, so keep your ears to the streets. But all in all, God is moving.
AND FOR YOU..?
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