Wande

Reach Records Yewande Isola; professionally known as Wande, is the labels first female artist. Born in Akure, Nigeria, the gospel hip hop artist kickstarted her career as a music journalist before launching out as an independent artist in 2013. Her journey at Reach Records began with an internship. After completing college, she was hired as their A&R administrator. God told me that He wanted me to be an artist and showed me in dream that if I didnt do it, I would be replaced, she said in an interview. There are stories in the bible of people given a word by God and it doesnt come to pass till later, she added. In 2019 she came full circle and was signed to the label. Speaking about her Nigerian heritage Wande says: My Nigerian roots come through in my beat choices. Nigerian music is very lively so I try to pick things that make you come to life and want to move. Moving forward Im going to be experimenting more with Afrobeat music so youll see more influences within that.

 

Shekinah

Premier Gospel award winners and MOBO nominated Shekinah are UK Gospels top female group. Although the trio got their start singing in the church, their first big break was in the Afrobeats circuit. With four successful singles under their belt and an EP in the works, the group are on an upward trajectory. Possibly their most anticipated recording each year is their Ghana Praise and Worship Medley. The group pay homage to their homeland Ghana yearly, with a special Independence Day medley.

 

 

Mark Asari

Born to Ghanaian parents, The Voice UKs Mark Asari is one of UK Gospels favourite RnB crooners. Citing Michael Jackson, Boyz 2 Men, Joe, Brandy and Rodney Jerkins as his major influences, the singer has gone on to work with the likes of Ariana Grande, Tinie Timpeh and Craig David. His mainstream music credits also include a feature on The Aveners track I need a good one, from the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack. (50 Shades of Grey sequel). A musical change in direction has seen Asari immerse himself into the gospel music scene lately, and bag multiple gospel award nominations along the way. His first gospel EP Grace, was released in June this year to rave reviews. The title track topped the UK Christian charts RnB/Soul category back in July.

Written by Akosua DF, Premier Gospel Presenter

Thursday, 14 October 2021

In the spirit of Black history month, were spotlighting a few of your favourite gospel artists who are based in the diaspora, yet hail from the motherland (Africa).