Wednesday, 21 November 2012

KIRK FRANKLIN: An American gospel artist with Hip Hop flare

 
Kirk.... a generation of gospel music with a hip hop flavour, a touch of perfection on the music behind and composition that touches the heart.
 
Biography
 

Before the arrival of Kirk Franklin in 1993, contemporary gospel music leaned toward inspirational quiet storm – ‘positive’ messages alluding to Jesus and a righteous walk of faith set to lightly groovin’ tracks that appealed primarily to adults. Upon the arrival of Kirk Franklin, the music and the culture of contemporary Christianity got an energy boost that could give Red Bull a run for its money! Injecting a vigorous and youthful excitement to faith-walking, Kirk Franklin made it cool to be Christian, placing Godly messages in the same heavy rotation as other urban pop music. Over the last 14 years with hits such as “Stomp;” “Whatcha Lookin’ For;” “Looking for You;” “Revolution;” and “Lean on Me,” Kirk ascended to the upper echelons of gospel and pop. Beyond the music, he’s a highly exalted example of a man who achieved success without selling his soul (literally or figuratively) or his integrity. His messages now inhabit books, an upcoming movie, and he even hosts his own BET talent search program, “Sunday Best.”

Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, crossover gospel king Kirk Franklin is a man accustomed to firsts. For example, he was the first gospel artist to sell over a million copies of his first album, Kirk Franklin & The Family. However, it was the first of a different kind that led him to title his 11th and latest CD The Fight of My Life. It marked the first time that Kirk ever had so much trouble bringing his divinely inspired songs to life…for Kirk was facing an artistic drought the likes of which had never plagued him before.

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

JOSHUA JSTAR: Probably the best Southern African drummer, "An african drummer with an American taste"


Joshua has captured the attention of the Southern African music arena and has indeed been elevated throughout his performing career to what is deemed the best drummer in the region.
 
Biography
 
 Joshua Jstar Zacheus is a 27 year old
professional session & recording drummer born in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg South Africa.
He started playing drums at the age of 4 and amazingly  he attested that he was not lectured or tutored on this instruments. as he explained "I am a self taught drummer who started drumming in my dad's church". I pretty much knew since day I first touched a drumkit that its what I wanna do for the rest of my life. Because of my dad being a Pastor Ialways had a drumkit to practice on because we had church in our backyard but the pots & pans also got their beating every now & then.


My dad only told me to count to four on my hats, Kick on one & hit the snare on three & said now u can play my son. The only teacher & lesson I ever had.

I've worked with everyone from Poets to Rock, Pop, Hip-hop, Gospel, RnB, Afro pop, Jazz, Fusion ect artists some of them are Brian Temba, Jozi, Lebo Mashile, Kabomo, Kunle, Bianca, Timothy Moloi, Melanie Lowe, Dj Switch, Benjamin Dube, Neyi Zimu, Patrick Duncan, Liquideep, Kabelo, Phelo Bala, The Bala Family, Lui Mhlanga, Lungi, Da-Les, Danny K, Loyiso, Nothende Madumo, Lee Anne Kistan, Lira, Soulstone, In-Cha, Jamali, TKZee, Karen Zoid, Selaelo Selota, AkA, Khuli Chana, International Gospel Star Donnie McClurkin & many others.
 
 

Opened for Names like:

Celine Dion, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Brian McKnight, Akon, Fat Joe, Fred Hammond, Mario and more others Performed at Live Earth and 46664 Concert

Albums and DvDs I've worked on includes:

Lira's Feel Good Album
Soul in Mind Album
Lira Live a Celebration cd & dvd.
Also did the drum programming alongside Robin Kohl for the Latest Return to Love album.

Danny K's latest Across The Line Album.

Loyiso Bala's Latest Full Circle Album.

Kunle Live in Newtown DvD

Nothende Madumo's Live Studio Album LoveLight

Patrick Duncan Worship in Color Live Album/ Sama winning

HHP's Futobolo track... for the 2010 World Cup

Also Produced the soundtrack for the new Nokia Beyond Ordinary ad.

In November 2007 I got endorsed by Yamaha drums & Anatolian cymbals which was & is still a huge blessing in my life.
Im also Sponsored by Music Connection, They supply me with Skins & Sticks every month since 2008.

I recently got endorsed by Zildjian Cymbals International, Remo Heads, Shure In-ear monitoring... Powered by Music Connection.

I use Neil Ettridge signature Promark sticks and Vic Firth Zoro sticks.

Joshua Jstar Zacheus is currently the new Nokia ambassador.

http://www.facebook.com/Joshua.Jstar.Zacheus
Twitter @JStarzBeat
http://nokiasmartphones.co.za/joshua_zacheus/media
 
Description
C.E.O and Founder of I Just Wanna Play Productions PTY Ltd

Artists He Also Like
JazzanovA, Vikter Duplaix, Dave Weckl Band, Robert Glasper, Clara Hill, Yellowjackets, Spyro Gyra, Kurt Elling, Dwele, Chris Botti, J.Moss, Fred Hammond, Jill Scott & many others

THEMBA GIFT MODISE: Rising above expectations

Themba Gift Modiseand the family of worshippers


Themba Modise is a child born and raised in Taung and after growing in the music industry in Botswana he decided to give back to Taung by recording a Live DVD album at his home Town and hence putting Taung back on the map.
The family of worshippers is a gospel group made out of people from more than four different countries. This group or rather “Family” as the name suggest was born and not formed in May 2010 in Gaborone Botswana. The birth of this gospel group was inspired by the common love and skills for music and hence a strong relationship was formed on and off stage, hence the name “The family”. The group was not only inspired by the common skills and love for music but also the inability to rise up to our dreams as individuals in the music industry.

In the live recording they had, they were also in concert with the following professional artists: Matthews Matsetse, (Botswana), Mpho Modise, (Botswana), Tankiso Moahlodi, (Lesotho), Rev: B.S Modise (South Africa), Apostolic Faith Mission (Taung) church choir.
 ARTIST PROFILE
NAME:                          Mr Themba Gift Modise
CONTACTS:                 (+267) 71667604
                                        Thgmodise@gov.bw
Occupation:                Electrical engineer
                                        (Central District Council, Botswana)
                                        Owner and Director of Pyramids Investments (Pty) Ltd 
                                        Director and Shareholder of Mod & Sons (Pty) Ltd
                                        Director Mod Blue Rock (Pty) Ltd

Qualifications:           Bsc Electrical and electronic engineering Degree
 (University of Botswana)
                                       

Previous experience
·         Music Coordinator (Scripture Union Moeding college)
·         Mass choir-Master (Tlokweng Apostolic Faith Mission)
·         Studio Recording Vocalist (Bro OT`s last album)
·         Live Recording Vocalist (Apostolic Faith Mission Botswana centenary)
·         Choir master for Beatitudes well (Gospel group)
·         Gala Dinner Host and Music Director William Sejake (Joyous Celebration)
·         Music director and choir master for Beatitudes well Live recording
·         Music director and choir master for Matthews Matsetse`s Live recording
·         Show organiser, music director, choir master and lead vocalist for Gospel Galore Music Festival (hosted by The family of worshippers)
·         Show and choir master for Mathews Matsetse` Live recording (You are faithfull)
·         Main artist, choir director, project coordinator for Themba and the family of worshippers Live recording.
The list is endless
http://www.facebook.com/TheFamilyOfWorshipers?ref=ts&fref=ts
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8537275090831716752#overview/src=dashboard

Monday, 19 November 2012

ARTIST PROFILE: DRUMMIST



Toru Abe -aka.SANTA

OLIVE SUNDAY / Session / Miria Kato
Starclassic Maple
  • SHELL COLOR:Jewel Blue *
  • H/W COLOR:Chrome

Drums :

a16"x24" Bass Drum (SMB2416)
b5.5"x14" Stainless Steel Snare Drum (PSS455A)
c8"x10" Tom Tom (SMT1008)
d8"x12" Tom Tom (SMT1208)
e16"x16" Floor Tom (SMF1616G)
*Special Color

Hardware :

1Iron Cobra Rolling Glide Single Twin Pedal (HP900RTW)
2Iron Cobra Hi-Hat Stand (HH905)
3Cobra Clutch (HH905XP)
41st Chair Drum Throne (HT430)