Innovative African Gospel Music Launched

A daring music project kept under ‘Wraps over the last few years will be unveiled from 3.00pm Sunday, March 2, at the National Theatre during the launch of three albums by two gospel groups from the Shiloh Music Academy (SMA). The academy operates under the Living Testimonies Jesus Bible Ministry (LTJBM) and the two groups, Shiloh Super African Live Gospel Band & the Kushite Voices from Ghana and the Junior LTJBM Live Gospel Band have been on an experimental journey to infuse stronger African elements into contemporary gospel music. Pastor Sampson Joe Baning of the LTJBM feels the time is ripe now to let the public into the outcome of the experiment. “The groups have been groomed to showcase how exciting gospel music could be from an African perspective. We are bringing a revolution into gospel music, ” stated Pastor Baning. The SMA groups incorporate a variety of local drums, xylophones, rattles, gongs and atenteben with conventional Western instruments like saxophones, guitars and keyboards to create a unique, vibrant gospel sound. “The purpose,” Pastor Baning, who is also the Executive Producer of the three albums to be launched, explains, “is to express our devotion to God in praises and worship through our own brand of music.” Two of the albums, Shiloh Vols. 1 and 2 are from the Shiloh Super African Live Gospel Band & the Kushite Voices and all compositions in the collections are by members of the. group. The third album of eight songs is from the Junior LTJBM Live Gospel Band.