Muyiwa Olanrewaju appearance on BET's flagship gospel show is hugely significant for all sorts of reasons...
I think genuine humility is hard to pull off. When any talent presents obvious
evidence of itself, people can almost come across as the very thing they are
trying to avoid: at best unable to accept a simple compliment and worst,
ever-so-subtly arrogant.
Or maybe I'm just projecting my own frustrations here... (",)
But when Muyiwa says he's just as caught out by his astounding rise as
everyone else, I believe him. Even the cliche, 'it's all God' stock response we all revert to doesn't sound so corny coming from him...
Anyway, the annual BET 'Celebration Of Gospel' 2009 is aired in the UK on the 8th Feb 2009. Muyiwa and Riversongz are the first international act (not just a UK one) to feature on this massive show. When I heard about it, I knew it deserved more than just an entry in the News section.
So I fired off a few quick questions to the man. I'm sure I'm going to do more with him (there's also a rather decent 'Behind The Beat' feature he did a while back on UKGospel.com Version 1 which I need to transfer here), but for now have a read of this and be inspired. I certainly was...
Yinka
Good question! Interesting, it was something that some of the artists on the bill at the event asked us and all we could say was God... It truly was!
There were no agents, record companies, managers that made it happen. It was just God. Of course once the inquiry was out by BET, then booking agents, etc, got involved. It should be an encouragement to the guys here in the UK who are quietly beavering away...
The bible puts it this way: '...Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding...'
Where do I start!?
I could talk all night about it! We have all been talking
about it since 8th December 2008!
What was happening really didn’t register before we got there.
When we landed in Los Angeles' LAX Airport there was a limo that was bigger than anything I have ever seen or been in before. Driven by an ex Navy Seal... We felt safe!
Then we get to the hotel and I had a meeting with the Head of International programming who told us that apart from our performance, they will be making a 30-minute documentary on us! This was great.
Then we get to the rehearsals, and you see all these artists where the only reason I had seen or been near them before would have been my radio show... Then finding out that we were the first ever 'International act ' on the show, as they put it...
There is so much to tell but BET certainly treated us like - to answer your question in one word after my long story - Amazing!!!!!
I really can’t speak for other times but from this one experience at the Orpheum Theatre, it would appear America has been waiting for the 'UK sound!'
Every time we rehearsed the place came to a standstill, it was like: ‘who are these guys???’
Then it’s followed by rapturous applause. UK def gained a few fans!!! LOL!
So much to say to them:
(1) This level can be easily exceeded if you hold on!(2) Apart from 'Jesus is Lord', the other mantra that Muyiwa & Riversongz have is 'RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS! RELATIONSHIPS! RELATIONSHIPS and RELATIONSHIPS!!!!!' It’s not money you need, it’s RELATIONSHIPS!!!!!(3) Like Russell Simmons said in his book: just 'DO YOU'.America and the rest of the world is not waiting for a copy of what they do, we didn’t get onto the show because we were trying to do the American thang. We were doing the Jesus UK thing... Innit, though!
Having been selected for BET's Celebration Of Gospel, what do you think is the challenge for the UK in sustaining a presence at that level?
I think there are many obstacles.
For many in the UK it’s a struggle to get a record done. Then when you scrape and fast and pray and do everything to get it done, you have no resources to promote.
Artists don’t attain the COG level only because they worked hard, but the distribution of the albums is wide reaching, the promotion (TV, radio, online, etc) is very strong... The list goes on...
All these things require resources. For us the challenge now is tying up the right relationships to make the necessary thing work, but we are looking to God to open doors...
We already have more invites to USA in the month of January than we did all 2008.
I definitely need to keep the radio show and in-flight entertainment shows going [Muyiwa presents an In-flight show called 'Sounds Of Africa' for Lufthansa Airlines, produced by UKGospel.com's George Luke].
COG inspired all of us a great deal to go back and continue to strive to be the best we can. Whilst we were at the COG and the 30 minute documentary was being made about us, BET got me to present a few bits, and one thing led to another, so it looks like there may be some TV work coming but don’t tell anyone...lol!!!
To think when 'Declaring His Love' was number 1 on HMV's charts for 5 months we thought we had arrived - only to be shown another level.... Bring it on!!!!!!
We will be doing a great deal of travelling! USA, Europe and Africa...
We’re also we are in the middle of writing the next album 'Declaring His Name'. We are doing some appearances in China, Pakistan, and India with local worship leaders...
We also have a one day event for worship leaders, pastors and all who are interested and involved in music in church: 'What If...'
We should be launching it soon and the event is later in the year.
You can hit us up on riversongz.com and find out more...
A seasoned radio presenter, Muyiwa
hosts the the flagship show "Gospel
Tonight" and "Worship Tonight" on
Premier Radio as well as presenting
"Sounds Of Africa" on Lufthansa Airlines.
Since releasing his three albums 'Restoration', 'Declaring His Power' and 'Declaring His Love', Muyiwa's voice has become instantly recognisable and one that he hopes will unite people of all races, cultures and denominations.
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HI YINKA
Hope you are coming down to the Invisible Indusry discussion today 17 June organised by BBMC/Kwaku..? You do know about it, yeah? It is FREE and starts at 6.30 to 8.30 at 365 Brixton Road, (next to Police Station). Black British Gospel Music: An Invisible Industry? I am on the panel. Will be lively and very practical with outcomes, no talking shop for those like me who hate talking shops! So see you down there.... on time of course (:-)
Andrea
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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'ello uncle! Just passing by and catching up on the site...! Loving the new angle on prayer on PG, def. def def it goes a long way in encouraging many folks you guys reach out to daily. Pls keep up the good work - God bless sir.