GOING GLOBAL...
I don't believe it's self-serving or arrogant for me to suggest the UK
gospel scene is to Europe what the US scene is to the rest of the world...
Sure, we've much to do from an infrastructural point of view, but for sheer tenacity, experimentation, enthusiasm and just plain old passion, we've got the goods - in spades.
The day that people in the UK see what the rest of the world already seems to know about us just can't come soon enough.
I remember doing a similar piece to this a few years ago with a second-generation South American New Yorker. It strikes me that tastemakers (DJs, producers and keen music fans) can't seem to get enough of the sound... That should tell us all something, surely...?
(Original Publication Date: 18th April 2008)
Andreas 'Kaybee' Kebernik is from Onelove Enterntainment in
Ahrensburg, about 20 KM outside Hamburg (so Google Maps tell
me).
He's not only a big fan of the UK scene, but if you're an artist, he
would like your music on his radio show.
If you're NOT an artist, he'd like your prayers, please and thank you.
Can't say fairer than that...
I put a few questions to him:
How did you get into the whole UK music thing...?
I was always into Soul music from the island (beginning of the 90s
I was listening nearly solely to UK Soul from people like Incognito,
Central Line, Omar, D-Note, Young Disciples, Galliano and the
whole Talkin' Loud posse).
After I got saved and my friend James Freeman (AKA DJ El Niño) introduced me to UK gospel music, I was blown away!
There are so many artists that are so heavy and authentic in their walk with GOD, that I was just deeply impressed.
By God's Grace I had the possibility to invite some artists (Four Kornerz, Lisa Mayers and Dwayne Tryumf) over to Germany for some events, and I really have to tell you that GOD was using them in a mighty way to minister to the people.
And what's the scene in Germany like...?
To be honest, the Urban gospel music scene in Germany is not really existing - yet!
Apart from some Gospel Hip-hop artists, the Christian music scene over here is still very much Rock/Pop and Worship... But as I see that R&B and Hip-hop is very big in the secular, I just know that God will use Urban gospel music in His timing to reach the people in Germany.
How can we in the UK help with that...?
I guess the most important thing is to pray for this country...
And if God is putting this country on their hearts it would be great if UK Artists would like to come over to Germany to minister to the people.
It's not about money and playing big venues, but if they wanna come to this country and tell the people what they really need through beats and rhymes, God will move things!
Support would also be appreciated if we could get promo CDs and videos, or other filmed material about UK gospel for our Urban Gospel Radio and TV Programme...
It's now up to you...
As you can probably imagine, my reply was: 'the nice people in the UK gospel scene can definitely help with that...'
So there you have it, people: if you're an artist, get in touch with Andreas. He'll be glad and grateful for your support. If you can't do anything else, the least you can offer is a prayer for the work he's involved in over there.
While it might be easy for you to surround yourself with the very latest in Hip-hop, Broken Beat, Grime/Garage, Soul and RnB, the work of pioneers like Andreas require steady support from those of us that can provide it.
As usual, full supporting links below...
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I want something like this!
CADET: REALISE...
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
Yinka Awojobi
Founder, UKG/ UKGospel.com group of sites.
I really didn't want my picture here, but I'm bowing to pressure.
George Luke
Freelance journalist, all-round nice guy.
Has a weird obsession with international gospel music.
Team page
We are a new U.K gospel band which was formed in Germany when my wife E.Kay T and I went on our routine performance in our church when we use to live in. I understand what you mean Kaybee that's why each time we come to Germany to perform our R& B, Hip Hop and more, they love it. We were there a month or so ago to minister some of the songs from our album 'Judgement Day'. Our other band member lives in Aachen and the churches are fighting over him to come and perform in their chuch. In anyway that we can help let us know.
God bless.
A.K.A Elisha