in the contemporary gospel mainstream.
Since 2006, Hip-hop and subsequently Grime, and now
Funky House have not only brought harder, edgier rhythms to
the fore, it's also brought a much lower typical age of
performer, with the likes of Victizzle, Simply Andy, Jimmy
James and Sammy G being in their late teens to early-mid
twenties…
In other words, you don’t expect to find that many females in the mix. The current musical make up just doesn’t lend itself as easily to the ladies...
Her press release says this 21-year old was 'dubbed by one judicious journalist’ as ‘compelling and inspirational, truly amazing’. It's one of those rare times I think a press release isn't being overly optimistic.
A few days ago I was in East London for the listening party for her debut album Fixing Barbie (one of the most delicious titles I’ve heard in years - can I use 'delicious' in that context?).
I was one of only a couple of people over 30 in the candle-lit, intimate and cosy creative studio space of invited guests.
I make the age point to go on to say this: if the reaction in the room was anything to go by, then Fixing Barbie’s eclectic selection of Spoken Word (‘Sorry, I’m A Christian’ is one of the most engaging pieces you will hear this year), RnB, Comedy, something she’s calling ‘Electro-Funk’, and even a kind of ode to a Funky House/Afrobeat mash-up could be one of the surprise hits of the year.
The preview generated a huge response from an age bracket that conventional wisdom would have you believe does not appreciate the subtleties of well-crafted music, Spoken Word and great lyricism.
Fixing Barbie is an intensely personal journey, and Michaela is entirely vulnerable and fragile in places, a stance that doesn’t sit quite so comfortably with the overwhelmingly ‘positive confessionist’ tendencies of Black Christianity.
Ironically the soul baring does nothing but reinforce the healing that can actually be found when a life is completely surrendered. This is material that can (and should) travel well beyond insular Christian borders, and walk the fine line between bible-bashing and articulate discourse with assured footing.
Michaela began writing performance-poetry in what she calls her ‘chicken-shed bedroom’ on the very precisely-offered date of 22nd May 2006.
From God to politics, from America to her favourite pair of shoes, to exploring the nature and perception of love, Michaela has featured in some of the UK's most premiered venues for dance, music, and drama: Hackney Empire, The Roundhouse, Carling Academy, Bloomsbury Theatre and Trafalgar Square open stage to a crowd of 6,000 performing material from her first EP release, 2007's 22nd May.
She's also a Battle-Poet, gaining three first-prize competitions at Theatre
Royal Stratford East's 'Word Up Slam' all before spending a month touring
across New York and Orlando in March and April 2008.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
And perhaps that’s the key driver here. Michaela and Fixing Barbie are
arguably best experienced live, and you have that chance on 29th August, with
the Poetical Theatre production at the arts-friendly venue of Stratford Circus, along with an audience of 300.
With her electric live band and the thespian expertise of Identity Drama School, also featuring performances by Monica Palao, Rachel Kerr, Guvna B and a very special surprise guest, you have a chance to taste the Fixing Barbie experience first hand.
It comes highly recommended.
Tickets are on sale at UKGShop.com or via the website Stratford Circus.com website, and purchase of the ticket includes a copy of the album to be picked up at the venue.
If you’re reading this after the event, pick up your copy of Fixing Barbie at UKGShop.com.
That, like the event itself, also comes recommended…
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ARTIST FOCUS: Sons Of Light
AUDIO: Rini, Lanre and Tom talk about the totally superb debut album, SoL
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This one's getting a whole lot of love on the underground - New video from Cadet, following on from his 2007 debut EP.
Cadet on Twitter
Video by Trail Pictures
Hey Andrea!!
You're too kind. Got your email as well.
Will try and call you in the next few days to get the ball rolling.
.
As regards your presence on this site: LOOOOONG over due!!
.
You can also check out the blog for more frequent updates!
.
Speak in the next few days...
Hi Yinka
Soooooo good to see you and Muyiwa and meet Nage at Premier Gospel last Wed. So glad you guys are representing. Someone just called me for info about the 'gospel scene in London' so you know I need to put a UKgospel banner on my site... and I've got to have a presence on yours... so let's stop talking about it and do it yeah? lolol! Coffee, Southbank Centre? Soon? So much to share. Who said UK Gospel is dead? I can't get my head around all the stuff that is happening. Well done for pulling it together on these pages... and there is still more.
Much love
Andrea
Hello and welcome, George! Hope you like what you see!
.
For more on the UK scene check out the UKGospel.com Blog and to get the music check out www.UKGShop.com
.
Let me know what you think...
.
Yinka
Your audio delivery is TIGHT!! OMG! I was blown away. I was delighted to hear the plethora of information you were able to deliver and I was quite entertained by your personality. I have been looking for a sight that would inform me about what is hapening in the UK Gosple community. Good Stuff!
Yinkus, so happy 2 c u living out ur passion in God. U've always been a swell DJ! I rejoice with u!!
Happy New Year everyone.
.
You've been absolutely *awesome* in your support of the UKGospel.com project throughout 2009.
.
I'm just one guy trying to support the fantastic work I see going on around me....
.
Your response and encouragement STILL bowls me over!!
.
On behalf of the UKGospel.com Team, thank you, thank you, thank you again!
.
Yinka
Hiya Faith, Thanks for the message. I left a message here for someone from Victoria's team to get in touch a while ago. If you're in touch with them can you ask them to send me an email to info@ukgospel.com. Thanks!
Peeps, I love the highlights about Victoria. Coincidentally, I saw her sing live at Rapture hosted by Angie Le Mar a few weeks ago. She is indeed amazing. Unfortunately and surprisingly, I don't think UK Gospel appreciate people that are not rappers that much. God bless.
LOL!! I love this campaign from Victoria Adexa's camp! Nice one, guys! :-) Can you get her management to email me at info@ukgospel.com with 'Victoria A' in the subject line, pls..? Thanks in advance!
Hello Sir,
When will we be hearing more on that artist the lady below mentioned? I also heard Victoria Adexa singing at the London Youth on the Front Line 09. That lady and her band were on FIRE!!!!!!!! You NEED to feature this one!!! Peace
Hi, what a great web site. very proud of princess melodicaah. keep the good work ukgospel.com.
Hello UK Gospel.com,
I must say I am very impressed with your site! Well done. The only thing is I would like to see you feature an amazing artist I discovered recently. ...Victoria Adexa, I dont know if you have heard about her before, simply amazing! She brings a unique jazz element to the UK gospel scene. It would be nice to have a little info on her on your site. Blessings
The artists I was talking about was Princess Melodicaah...wow
This artist is so fresh...I saw her perform at a recent gospel event and she was so different. The mixture of Hip Life and R&B i gospel...look out for her
Sorry for the delay, bro. Check your inbox. You've got mail....
Hello bro.Yinka,
I did send you the email as you said to the email you gave me as I have not heard anything I'm just wondering if you received it?
Message in your inbox. Sorry for delay...
ok, thnx uncle yinka. so am i to get a message in my e-mail inbox?
I will thanks bro. Yinka
Hi Elisha,
Thanks for your post. You can reach me at info@ukgospel.com
Bro. Yinka, can I post our music video from the album 'Judgement Day' here as well?
Hey,Glory be to God for your life bro. Yinka, I have just discovered this website yesterday. Praise God! We would like an advert space to promote our CD album.
This is the link to my Facebook page
@ Princess Melodicaah what's your website/Facebook/MySpace address...?
uk contempory afro beats gospel artist lolooking for platforms to perform material...any help please.
Hey Lashae. I apologise. That was my fault. I've passed your request on to Leanna
hello, i messaged leanne on the 'contact us' box and i haven't gotten a reply. am i doing something wrong?
Hey Liz! Thanks so much for your message. I REALLY appreciate the support!
Thanks, Janice! Look forward to it! LOOL @ knowing what I look like!
Uncle Yinka!
I finally know what you look like! LOL Putting something in the post for you this week. Bless! Janice
Well done Yinka for keeping the flag waving for UKGospel Music. I will be getting a definitely be getting a copy of 'Sons of Light@ Keep up the good work... high quality professionally produced music which as you state is up there in the same quality of mainstream music
Xn drummer looking to start up a gospel reggae band to spread the message of Jesus Christ. R u up for it? Den call me and let's get the party started. 07745060494
Really love the site! Keep updating us :--)
Thanks - See you there
@Cosmic06
Hi Claud. I'm on Twitter. Find me at http://twitter.com/ukgospel
Those UK Gospel have a twitter account?
You're very welcome. Thank you so much for the support! Much appreciated!
Yinka ! You are just too much. Thanks for the seminar of today on Radio presentation
Thanks Thanks thanks
Yinka, work hard. Oh yes and work hard..nuff said
Hey Paul! Haven't got your email add. Email me at info AT ukgospel dot com
Yinka, please contact me! You have my email address? Paul
@ Mel: always good to have you back, sir...
@ Andrea: sorry for delay in response. Will be in touch soon - promise! (",)
Hey Yinka, It's about time I took another trip to your site....lots of info and downloads. Thanks
This site is looking super! Thanks for keeping the webface of UK gospel alive and fresh! Thanks for the promotional platform that we couldn't pay you enough for. Which reminds me that I need to buy some advert space from you.... please send me rates. Oh yeah... did we ever meet up? I don't think so. Coffee on you.
@ Tayme Tee: thanks for the compliment on the photo. Not one of my better ones (it's slightly out of focus), but it will do for now... :-)
@ Karl: keep keeping on, sir. Privilege to support!
@ Quadosh: thanks for stopping by. Can't wait for Tryumf's 777 too! Gonna be BIG!!!
@ Lanre: good to see you here! LOL @ cause you can!
@ OJ: thanks, Sweetie..
@ Shabazz: just started work on it, General. Will let you know.
@ Dave P: thanks for stopping by! UGN forever, sir!
listening in from work....
site's looking good
General Yinka,
How you doing sir? Thanks for the Uprise feature. Very Big!
Have you placed the interview online yet mate?
BIG UP UKG..Just drop to say, plus to add my radio station..LOL
One has to try
thanks for the support man! thanks again
I can't wait for Tryumf's 777 to be out. I've heared some tracks and i'm ready for the fire! oooohhh weeee! :) Big ups to UKGospel.com
just signing in.... just cos I CAN!! lol!
liking the Pic sir!!!
Well done :-)
@ Jo: Fantastic to see you here!! Thanks for stopping by!
@ Roger: thank you sir, we're trying to represent properly by recording and reporting the great work that people like you do...
Much appreciated!
its been a while, but I'm back checking your site, & whats on & where!!! x
Great site!
Hey Dave!
Same as usual, bro... Just working hard...
How are ya?
What's up bro, how's the world of UK Gospel?
Hey Phillp!
Thanks for stopping by!
Much appreciated, sir...
This site is a lovely initiative. Keep up the good work
No prob, CM!
Speak soon!
Hi Yinka! CM here....soooo much info man its great to have a centralised place for gospel news right here in the UK...I've got a few questions for ya so you'll be hearing from me soon :o)
Keep up the good work!
CM
Yes, Michael!
I was waiting on you, man! Bell me, and let's make it happen!
Yes Uncle Yinka!
I've definitely warmed up to v1.5 now!
I'm loving the content and layout even more so!
When are we hooking up! February has come and nearly gone!
Speak soon
Thanks, Guvna! Speak soon, bro...
Thanks everyone. Appreciate the support. Yinka will phone you tonight.
I Like It.
Looks Good.
You're very welcome.
All done. Have a look and let me know what you think.
I've sent the details to you Sir.
Thanks so much for your generosity.
My goodness, where do I start?? THANKS, people!!
Lisa: I don't hear from you for a while, and then you come by I write an essay. I love you! (",)
Andrea: we need to bring your decades-old service to the industry to a new generation - I feel an interview coming on...
Rach OK: you just keep doing your thing, girl. I got your back from back in the day. Ain't stopping now
Maya: you KNOW it's all love, sweerie.
Juliet: when (not if) our industry fully engages with the mainstream at an industry level, it'll be down - at least in part - to your tireless effort
Dave P: UGN forever, sir!
DJ Yemi: you've always been there for me since we hooked up. Thank you, Uncle!!
MRI: send me that banner so I can stick it on the site, man!! LOL!
Lanre: when's the next GK Real album??? You lot are keeping us waiting!
Henry: thanks for your support, sir!! Much appreciated!!
Karl: thank God O!! Album go soon drop!!
Mel: thanks for stopping by, sir!!! Great to have your comments!
Antony: good to see you here! Still not sure about the picture, though!! (",)
I realise it's been waaaay too long Yinks,too bogged down by the 24/7 I guess, so please accept my awkward apologies for the late shout out. As for YOU - you're unstoppable!! I was on here lurking the other day n i thought, must drop u a line to thank you for believing in the UK Gospel voice to inspire such a HUGE output. This site alone is ALOT. People need to remember this is YEARS in the making and now we're soo blessed by the upgrade. (Haha months go by without a word and now I write an essay in your comments box lol!!)
I don't know how you do it. No, in fact I DO know how you do it lol!! I'm encouraged and will try not to be a stranger, one of these days I'm gonna be back on it. Well done bro, you and all these artists I'm listening to in this mixtape is PROPER stirring me...its deep! I need to get back ON IT LOL!! Bless you and all yours! Lisa x
Great stuff Yinka and George. This site is all I need to bring me up to date with all the fresh artists in UK gospel. I'll make it a favourite!
All ways moving onwards and upwards for the Lord! God bless ya Uncle Yinka!!!
Hi Yinka!
Just had to stop by & leave a comment to let you know how much I'm loving the new look of your great site ...keep up the God work ;0)
You know I love you most, not because of your talent or skills, but because of your beautiful, big servant heart!!! (Yes, let the whole world know! lol...)
Stay blessed & a blessing bro,
Nuff respect & much love always...
Maya
This is an excellent version of your impeccable work. If this site symbolises the effort we need to make and the success we can achieve - then our future is BRIGHT The value goes way beyond money. A genuine building block in the UK Gospel Industry. I loook forward to contributing and consuming!
Juliet Fletcher - GreenTree/Gospel Grand Summit
Well bro, you have done it at last. You know God has been really good to you on this awesome project. I hope people come to understand the work that has gone into UKG, and the respect you have for UK Gospel music and media. I pray that God will continue to bless my good friend, you have made another great mark for us all. Keep up the good work man of God, both you and your family.
Dave P
Choice Fm & Colouful Radio
Urban Gospel Network
Uncle..this one is so so nice oh....well done sir..as usual..everything you run and do is excellent.
This is a good look!
Great Job Sir.
God Bless.
i love it!!!!! hehehehehe... weelll i was a bit late on this. Saw your FB status and thought i better check this out! welldone brov, you keep inspiring us to be more and do more...
WOW The site looks fantastic!!! well done very 2009 and good to no you have a picture there....lol lol even if you didn't want it at least its so small i had to get a magnifying glass
Your workrate is unbelievable Sir, I can only applaud and be inspired with the stuff you're doing! Love the new layout and you know already what I think of your audio :D will speak soon Uncle, God bless you and your family for your hard work!
MR UK GOSPEL DOES IT AGAIN. A REAL LEADER!
you are a true legend godfather! I love this and the fact that you keep going and upgrading inspires me!
Karl Nova has spoken
Hey Yinka, Love the new site. I'm glad you put your pic...it's good to put a face to the name. Here's to even greater things for 2009. BLESS!!
Hello Mrs UKG... Kiss and cuddles for you tonight...
Hey Dieon: thanks for the feedback! LOL @ Quality Street! At least it sounds like you liked all the sweets UKG is serving up!
Listening to the Artist Focus audio - SoL
Cor Mr A, when I clicked in, thought I was in a tin of "Quality Streets", I didn't know which one to pick first!! :o)
It looks 'clean' and 'exciting'. I Love the 'Latest News' section, great way to keep us 'current'...it will definitely Carpe diem (my)!
Thanks for the comments people - keep 'em coming.
Now that the site is live, tell me what you want, and I might just be able to make it happen for ya!
THIS IS LARGE! The UKG machine Never fails to impress me man, the audio is serious, all them drops from all those people!! UKG FOREVER!!! That logo is printed in the minds of THOUSANDS! God bless you!
I like it! Very clean look to it all, plus hitting various form of media (video, audio, text etc). AND works on iPod Touch (except the flash bits, but that's Apples fault ,not yours)
I am loving this and highly anticipating the developmental stages..at the risk of sounding cliche, I say Keep it up bruv...
Updating UKGospel.com and curious as to how people will respond to it....
Founder, UKG/ UKGospel.com group of sites.
I really didn't want my picture here, but I'm bowing to pressure.
Freelance journalist, all-round nice guy.
Has a weird obsession with international gospel music.
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On point!