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UKG FIRST PLAY

ROGER & SAM

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Hmmm... I think that are songs focus on giving God praise without asking him for stuff…

There are so many songs written about getting our stuff back and asking God to do this our that for us.

We decided not to do that and just to touch the heart of God with worship. When a genuine worshipper encounters this the response is worship, that’s why I think so many love the album worldwide

And how much do you think being in the UK influenced the project?

Well, we have been singing some of the songs on the project in our church for many years, so we had already seen how God was moving whilst the songs were being delivered, so our church in London had a very big role to play in influencing the songs that made the album.

And what would you say are your musical influences...?

Wow, lots of people.. The Clarke Sisters, Winans, Commissioned, Take Six, Kirk Franklin, Noel Robinson, Mark Beswick, Fred Hammond, Donald Lawrence (Sam loves him)

You won the Caribbean Marlin 'Live CD Recording of the Year' Award recently. Thoughts on that...?

We feel really honoured that our music is being recognised. We don’t really get too caught up with awards as we know that we are really working towards God saying well done.

When he finally says well done? It won’t be based on a popular vote or record sales but it will be based on whether we lived what we sang about... Now that’s something to work towards

We are also up for a Maaja award in Canada for Best International Artist so we will see what happens with that 

Having been on the outside of the UK scene for a while now what have you found yourself liking about how we do things in the UK...?

That’s a good question actually... I like the fact that we are still all trying to make our mark on the world, so we are kind of all in the same boat..

In the states its a little more intimidating... However that does not phase us, as we know our calling...

And conversely having been exposed to that many more industries, marketplaces and scenes outside the UK what are some of the best practice attitudes and ideas that we could learn from?

We should look after our own! It’s great to have all the Americans flown [in for UK events] first class, entourage and all, but, what about the local artist?

One of the reasons that the industry works here is because they use the tools they have in front of them. The local artist here really gets used! And they get the chance to develop and improve their craft.

If we can learn anything from the US, it would certainly be let’s all come together to make the industry work for everyone. If you can afford to pay musicians, pay them. Maybe you can’t afford to pay them, but call them everyone now and then and give them a love offering, show them that you appreciate them.

We are currently working with another producer/artist called Sean Simmonds, and we find that working with him has upped our game as far as producing and being professional.

I think we have a lot to learn when it comes to getting things done with excellence. Now to be clear: I’m not saying we are not professional in the UK, but I think the Americans have a lot we could learn from. Too much to go into in this short interview

I hear that... On the same theme what have we got right...?

We believe what we sing about, and we should continue to do so....









'Live in London' is a classic. Simple as that. What's your take on where the contemporary Praise & Worship sound is in the UK right now?

Thanks for the compliment. We just need to be ourselves, as I said before, we don’t need to be anyone else than who we are. In terms of the P&W sound, the artist that are around right now all sound different, that’s a good thing. Long may it continue

And what do we need to work on...? 

Song writing, we need to write songs that the church will and can sing, even if they don’t have a 10 piece band with 5 singers!

Musically UK gospel music is driven by a very young sound at the moment.... Have you got a feel for it, and if so what are your thoughts...?

Honestly I don’t get to hear too much UK gospel, but i hear that there are quite a lot of new young cats out at the moment. I like that... It means that there is new blood in the system. That can only be a good thing. What’s important is that they pay respect to the ones who have gone on before and have set the stage for them to do what they now do. 

What's next for Roger & Sam?

We are currently producing three new albums here in Atlanta for other artists, which has taken a lot of our time.

But don’t worry the new Roger and Sam album is on the way, produced by Sean Simmonds along with Roger and Sam which will be a live and studio record at the same time. We are expecting to have it ready b4 the close of the year.

The single will be out in the summer, so that will be the UK's introduction to the new sound of Roger and Sam. The new single will also be out on iTunes.

Yinka Awojobi

ABOUT

Roger and Sam Live in London was recorded at the Fairfield Halls in London.

Special guests joining them for this momentous recording included Noel Robinson, Sharlene Hector and Brian Temba.

The evening was widely reviewed as being a landmark occasion in the life of gospel music in the UK as they unfolded 13 self-penned songs executed by an exciting live band and vocalists.

The album has since gone on to be one of the highest-selling gospel projects to come out of the UK and also received a Dove Award nomination in 2007 and a Marlin Award in 2009.

We should look after our own! It’s great to have all the Americans flown first class, entourage and all, but, what about the local artist? One of the reasons that the industry works here is because they use the tools they have in front of them. The local artist here really gets used! And they get the chance to develop and improve their craft.

Comments

  1. Roger's composure is really good in this interview and he confirmed what I thought about some American's enjoying the genre but not doing it as a Christian...

    Well if UK artists get sussed like that....oops!

FEATURE LINKS

Roger and Sam websiteRoger and Sam on MySpace Marlin AwardsMaaja Awards

The 'UKG First Play' series presents both new and established artists on the UK scene, showcasing them for the very first time on the site.

It provides a quick snapshot profile, with a view to running a more in-depth feature at a later stage...

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Published: 1st June 2009

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UKGospel.com Comments

  1. '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.

  2. 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

  3. 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...

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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!

  7. Yinkus, so happy 2 c u living out ur passion in God. U've always been a swell DJ! I rejoice with u!!

  8. 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

  9. 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!

  10. 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.

  11. 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!

  12. 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

  13. Hi, what a great web site. very proud of princess melodicaah. keep the good work ukgospel.com.

  14. 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

  15. The artists I was talking about was Princess Melodicaah...wow

  16. 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

  17. Sorry for the delay, bro. Check your inbox. You've got mail....

  18. 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?

  19. Message in your inbox. Sorry for delay...

  20. ok, thnx uncle yinka. so am i to get a message in my e-mail inbox?

  21. I will thanks bro. Yinka

  22. Hi Elisha,

    Thanks for your post. You can reach me at info@ukgospel.com

  23. Bro. Yinka, can I post our music video from the album 'Judgement Day' here as well?

  24. 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.

  25. This is the link to my Facebook page

  26. @ Princess Melodicaah what's your website/Facebook/MySpace address...?

  27. uk contempory afro beats gospel artist lolooking for platforms to perform material...any help please.

  28. Hey Lashae. I apologise. That was my fault. I've passed your request on to Leanna

  29. hello, i messaged leanne on the 'contact us' box and i haven't gotten a reply. am i doing something wrong?

  30. Hey Liz! Thanks so much for your message. I REALLY appreciate the support!

  31. Thanks, Janice! Look forward to it! LOOL @ knowing what I look like!

  32. Uncle Yinka!

    I finally know what you look like! LOL Putting something in the post for you this week. Bless! Janice

  33. 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

  34. 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

  35. Really love the site! Keep updating us :--)

  36. Thanks - See you there

    @Cosmic06

  37. Hi Claud. I'm on Twitter. Find me at http://twitter.com/ukgospel

  38. Those UK Gospel have a twitter account?

  39. You're very welcome. Thank you so much for the support! Much appreciated!

  40. Yinka ! You are just too much. Thanks for the seminar of today on Radio presentation

    Thanks Thanks thanks

  41. Yinka, work hard. Oh yes and work hard..nuff said

  42. Hey Paul! Haven't got your email add. Email me at info AT ukgospel dot com

  43. Yinka, please contact me! You have my email address? Paul

  44. @ Mel: always good to have you back, sir...

    @ Andrea: sorry for delay in response. Will be in touch soon - promise! (",)

  45. Hey Yinka, It's about time I took another trip to your site....lots of info and downloads. Thanks

  46. 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.

  47. @ 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... :-)

  48. @ 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!

  49. @ OJ: thanks, Sweetie..

    @ Shabazz: just started work on it, General. Will let you know.

    @ Dave P: thanks for stopping by! UGN forever, sir!

  50. listening in from work....

    site's looking good

  51. General Yinka,

    How you doing sir? Thanks for the Uprise feature. Very Big!

    Have you placed the interview online yet mate?

  52. BIG UP UKG..Just drop to say, plus to add my radio station..LOL

    One has to try

  53. thanks for the support man! thanks again

  54. 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

  55. just signing in.... just cos I CAN!! lol!

  56. liking the Pic sir!!!

    Well done :-)

  57. @ 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!

  58. its been a while, but I'm back checking your site, & whats on & where!!! x

  59. Great site!

  60. Hey Dave!

    Same as usual, bro... Just working hard...

    How are ya?

  61. What's up bro, how's the world of UK Gospel?

  62. Hey Phillp!

    Thanks for stopping by!

    Much appreciated, sir...

  63. This site is a lovely initiative. Keep up the good work

  64. No prob, CM!

    Speak soon!

  65. 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

  66. Yes, Michael!

    I was waiting on you, man! Bell me, and let's make it happen!

  67. 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

  68. Thanks, Guvna! Speak soon, bro...

  69. Thanks everyone. Appreciate the support. Yinka will phone you tonight.

  70. I Like It.

    Looks Good.

  71. You're very welcome.

    All done. Have a look and let me know what you think.

  72. I've sent the details to you Sir.

    Thanks so much for your generosity.

  73. 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!! (",)

  74. 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

  75. 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!

  76. All ways moving onwards and upwards for the Lord! God bless ya Uncle Yinka!!!

  77. 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

  78. 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

  79. 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

  80. Uncle..this one is so so nice oh....well done sir..as usual..everything you run and do is excellent.

  81. This is a good look!

    Great Job Sir.

    God Bless.

  82. 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...

  83. 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

  84. 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!

  85. MR UK GOSPEL DOES IT AGAIN. A REAL LEADER!

  86. you are a true legend godfather! I love this and the fact that you keep going and upgrading inspires me!

    Karl Nova has spoken

  87. 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!!

  88. 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!

  89. Listening to the Artist Focus audio - SoL

  90. 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)!

  91. 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!

  92. 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!

  93. 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)

  94. I am loving this and highly anticipating the developmental stages..at the risk of sounding cliche, I say Keep it up bruv...

  95. Updating UKGospel.com and curious as to how people will respond to it....

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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.

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