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So, say hello to UKGospel.com 'new boy' HENRY YANNEY.

Strictly speaking, he's not that 'new' as he's been part of the UKG machine for quite a while. Nevertheless it's great to get his take on 2009. Be nice to him...

With each passing year, it's often the case that we compare and contrast the successes of the ending year with those of the previous one.

The very same trend applies to us here at UKGospel.com; we take a break from our heavy production load and team meetings to reflect on what has caught our attention over the last 365 days.

FOLLOWING 2008...

In 2008, the emergence of Guvna B, the New D Crew's impressive debut and Simply Andy's massive Bibles, Bibles track were some of the highlights which we hoped could be emulated in 2009. So, after a quick brainstorming session and some help from Mr UKGospel, its time to take a look at my highlights in Gospel in 2009 ...
 
FREE EPS, ALBUMS & MIXTAPES...
  In 2009 I found myself spending less time withdrawing my bank card
  for albums and instead pressing Right Click and “Save Target As”.

  The amount of free music has been a blessing in both the quality of
  material as well as in saving money with the recession hitting the UK
  shores early into the year.
 
  For me the biggest highlights were Forever Christ’s 'J.U.S.T.I.F.I.E.D Mixtape' and E-Tizz’s 'Sound of My Soul' (pictured).

Both contained some of the scene’s best production and lyricism, and put many purchased albums to shame in comparison with their quality.
 
MEDIA EXPOSURE
'MTV Gospel' may still be a long way off, but that
didn’t stop UK gospel music getting to us through
the TV and the web.
 
The One To One show anchored by Michael
Owusu (right) on Genesis TV became a 9pm
regular for me as it showcased the scene’s finest
performing live.

OHTV also provided an Uprise, as its Gospel Garage cipher series and 'An Evening with Guvna B' specials kept gospel on the screen and online.
 
Whilst the huge ‘Next Ting 140’ events by Guvna B gained coverage on the mainstream Grime scene’s ‘Grime Daily’ site, Victizzle was introduced to the wider world on BBC 1Xtra’s 100% Homegrown Show with Ras Kwame’s, long before he went on to win his MOBO Award, further showing that Gospel music will be acknowledged if the quality is in the product.
 
ALBUMS
  We all have our favourite artists for different reasons. Some may
  appreciate how high their notes can reach whilst others favour their
  production merits.

  For me, the definition of a true artist depends on whether or not they
  can create an album which screams quality, entertainment and
  professionalism.
 
Thank God many of 09’s albums left a lasting mark on myself and the scene. I have many highlight from the year: from Karl Nova’s ‘Just As I Am’ to Michaela: Birth of Poet’s imaginative, wit-filled ‘Fixing Barbie’ debut (photo).

With Victizzle and Tunday’s albums dominating the summer, it was FaithChild’s ‘Illumination’ album which arrived late in December that set the scene alight.
 
LIVE EVENTS
I write this section with much guilt as I ashamedly attended less
than half of the events I’m about to mention. Nevertheless, there
were a number of high turnouts for many gospel events in 2009.
 
GL Live again showcased the biggest names in Gospel Music
including international artists Lisa McClendon and Da T.R.U.T.H 
as well as Brit based acts such as Simply Andy and E-Tizz.

Arguably the biggest dates in the calendar was the international
sensation Fred Hammond arriving in the UK for tours of London
and Birmingham.

In addition, many of our homegrown heroes’ album launches
provided highlights, including Victizzle and Tunday’s joint
launch at London’s Ocean, and Michaela’s Pink + Black Party and album release events.
 
And even without releasing a new album, Guvna B was on hand to provide two concerts and brought together the top talents for his Next Ting 140 showcase at the new Black Grape music venue.

AND FINALLY...
A few of my personal highlights from 2009 
  Attending both of the UKG Mixer Sessions. 
  This is an informal, workshop-style training session
  for anyone looking to break into the media industry,
  facilitatated by UKGospel.com's Yinka Awojobi,
  with contributions from the UK gospel industry's
  figures.

Hopefully I can convince Yinka to do some more in 2010!

The explosion of Twitter! 
Who would have thought a 140 word block would lead to an organic growth between friends, artists, celebrities and the industry as a whole!

My recommeded person to follow? Karl Nova! (photo). Aside from his music, his mind also continues to inspire! Discussing issues which your Pastor would shy away from, not to mention carrying a wit as broad as his smile, Karl is one of the leading guys in the Twitworld who assures you that being a Christian in the new millenium is as fun and
controversial as ever.

Plus: he responds to your tweets - unlike celebrities X, Y or Z!

Venues: Black Grape Music Venue & Gastro 
Bar.
This is the place to be if you love live music
accompanied with some fine Afro-Carribean food!

Music streaming: Spotify and WE7.

  Need I say more?

CELEBRATING THE PAST AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE...

The year 2009 treated us to more great albums, live shows as well as the gradual ascendance towards the mainstream.

To me, 2009 exceeded many dwindling expectations of where UK Gospel was heading.
 
So what can we expect in 2010? All I can imagine is that the 'levels' will continue to rise in EVERY area of the the UK Gospel scene.

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CD SPOTLIGHT

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